Name: The Whole Problem: Towards Inclusive Mental Health Systems
Start: 2025-12-06T03:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-12-06T11:30:00+00:00
Location: St. Joseph's College

The Whole Problem: Towards Inclusive Mental Health Systems

Hosted by St. Joseph’s University: Department of Psychology & Insighte Childcare, this pre-conference workshop is an immersive, full-day experience dedicated to building inclusive, strength-based mental health and educational systems.Through experiential learning, collaborative design labs, and conversations with leading practitioners, the workshop helps participants identify systemic barriers and develop practical, sustainable, and human-centered solutions for inclusion across schools, institutions, and communities.Includes: Lunch, Tea/Coffee, Participant Kit, Certificate, Networking OpportunitiesWhat This Workshop OffersA Full-Day, Immersive Learning & Design ExperienceDesigned for students, educators, therapists, policy enthusiasts, and institutional leaders, the workshop brings together diverse voices to explore inclusion from the ground up.Participants can expect:Empathy Simulations: experience real classroom and mental health barriersArt Therapy & Sensory Labs: explore inclusion through creative, embodied practicesDesign Sprints: reimagine educational or institutional spaces through collaborative prototypingSystems Mapping Exercises: uncover how structures, policies, and culture shape belongingEvery participant receives a reflection journal, a thoughtfully curated participant kit, and a completion certificate during the closing ceremony.Panels and ConversationsFeaturing neurodiversity advocates, educators, policy leaders, and mental health professionals, two high-impact panels guide participants through deeper systemic conversations.Panel I:Who Isn’t at the Table? Centering Lived Experience in System DesignA conversation on designing systems with, not for, the communities they serve.Panel II:Inclusion as Infrastructure: Rethinking Systems that ExcludeAn exploration of structural barriers, equitable leadership, and institutional accountability.Programme Flow8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Registration and Welcome ZoneSmooth check-inParticipant kits and reflection journals“I Stand for Inclusive Mental Health” photo booth9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Inauguration and KeynoteWelcome note by St. Joseph’s Psychology DepartmentInaugural address by Insighte LeadershipKeynote: Towards Inclusive Mental Health SystemsFraming the day: “The Whole Problem” – unpacking hidden barriers and institutional responsibilitiesProgram Schedule: First Half10:10 – 10:50 a.m. | Panel Discussion I10:50 – 11:15 a.m. | Tea and Coffee Break11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Parallel WorkshopsWorkshop 1 (Students): The Inclusion LabA hands-on, sensory and arts-based exploration of belonging.Workshop 2 (Professionals and Advanced Students): Building Inclusive EcosystemsA systems-thinking lab focused on redesigning real-world institutional challenges.1:00 – 1:45 p.m. | Lunch and NetworkingThemed networking zones“Ask an Expert” 1:1 conversationsInclusion Pledge WallProgram Schedule: Second Half1:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Parallel Workshops3:00 – 3:15 p.m. | Tea and Coffee Break3:15 – 4:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion II4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Closing Ceremony and AwardsWorkshop 3 (Professionals and Parents): Institutional Inclusion: Systems That LeadPractical strategies using Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) to reshape institutional responses.Workshop 4 (Students): Improving the care systemCreate simple, high-impact tools that support neurodivergent peers in everyday spaces.Closing Ceremony and AwardsReflections from students, faculty, and parentsSchool Inclusion AwardsCertificate distributionGroup photographAnnouncement of post-event publication and future working groupsWho Should AttendStudents, educators, school leaders, psychologists, therapists, social workers, and anyone committed to inclusive education, mental health equity, and systemic transformation.Why AttendThis workshop moves participants beyond awareness and into meaningful action.You will leave with:Evidence-based strategiesCo-created tools and frameworksHands-on design experienceOpportunities to join future working groupsNew professional and peer connectionsAll supported by a full day of meals, refreshments, engagement zones, and networking spaces.