Mental Health Hackathon
What is happening?
Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset, in partnership with Beacon Services Resources CIC and Frome Medical Practice, has announced an ambitious new initiative: a town-wide “Hackathon” aimed at addressing the growing challenge of mental health in children and young people on Saturday 6th September.
What is a Hackathon?
A Hackathon is a community event where people come together to collaborate, share ideas, and develop practical solutions to a specific issue - in this case, young people’s mental health. the The event will bring together young people, parents, teachers, and health professionals to explore the barriers to identifying and supporting mental health issues, and to develop practical, community-led solutions.
Why are we doing this?
Children and young people in Frome face rising mental health challenges. This event aims to generate innovative, community-driven solutions to improve early identification, access to support, and long-term wellbeing.
How are we preparing for the event?
A community-wide survey has been launched to gather insight into the current challenges. Responses will inform the event’s focus and help ensure all voices—especially those of children and young people—are heard.
Anna Sabine MP said:
“Children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world - both online and offline - and it’s vital we take the time to truly understand the pressures they face. As a mother of teenagers myself, the wellbeing of young people is close to my heart. I hope the Hackathon will create an open and constructive space for the community to come together, share experiences, and build practical solutions that genuinely meet the needs of young people in Frome.”
Lisa Merryweather, Director of Beacon Services Resources CIC, added:
“We know that real solutions start with listening. This Hackathon is about starting a conversation and keeping young people's voices at the centre. It’s a community response to a growing issue, and we’re proud to be working alongside families, practitioners, and young people to drive it forward.”
Dr Neha Bhagi, GP Partner, Clinical Director and Mental Health Lead for Frome Medical Practice has direct contact with young people and their families and said
“As a GP, I see firsthand how deeply young people are affected by mental health challenges—and how vital early support can be. But the most powerful insights don’t come from professionals alone—they come from young people and their families who live these experiences every day.
Through this initiative, we’re making sure their voices shape the support they receive. That’s why I’m proud to be part of a community-led initiative focused on early, local, and compassionate support.”
