Merseyside Youth Association’s mental health promotion team will host the third annual NOW Festival, in partnership with Liverpool Child Adolescent Mental Health Services, Liverpool Cultural Education Partnership and the Arts Council

Hundreds of children and young people from schools, clubs and youth groups across Liverpool will come together to deliver a range of dramatic performances at the Epstein Theatre next week, exploring the subject of ‘My education, my mental health’.

Merseyside Youth Association’s (MYA) mental health promotion team will host the third annual NOW Festival, in partnership with Liverpool Child Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Liverpool Cultural Education Partnership and the Arts Council.

The festival will take place January 30 to February 2 and Elaine Rees, chief executive of the Liverpool Learning Partnership, said: “We have immensely gifted young people in the city and this is one way of show-casing that talent. Last year’s event was fantastic.”

Staff from MYA’s health promotion team have been working with local children and young people, since September.

Kath Thompson, festival director, added: “Under the guidance and support of our team and guest artists, Maurice Bessmen, Collective Encounters, Opus Media and MD Productions, the young people have curated pieces around the subject of mental health and education.

“With at least one in 10 young people suffering with poor mental health and the huge pressures facing education, this festival gives young people the opportunity to have their voices heard on these important issues.

“This mixture of original live performances and films will be showcased each night during the festival.”

Schools and groups involved include; Ruston Primary School, Kings Leadership Academy, Attitude Performing Arts, Knotty Ash Primary School, Studio School, St Hilda’s, GYRO YPAS, De la Salle, Holly Lodge,  YPAS, West Derby School, Wirral Academy of Performing Arts, ADDvanced Solutions, Sacred Heart Primary School, The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, St Julie’s Catholic High School, SPACE, St John Bosco, MD Productions, Barnardos Action with Young Carers, Arch Bishop Blanch and Champions – Sandfield Park & BankView.

There will also be guest performances from 20 Stories High and MD Productions. Tickets are £6 each. To book click here.