On November 10, the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Westchester will host a “community conversation” for individuals and families whose children have significant mental health issues. Is the Help Helping? will feature a panel of professionals and advocates with personal experience in parenting youth through mental health challenges. This free event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Eileen Fisher Learning Lab in Irvington.

Topics will include recognizing when the help isn’t helping; learning to trust your gut; when and how to question the experts and consult others; and educating yourself and creating your own path to services and support.

Expert panelists will be Randi Silverman, advocate and filmmaker of No Letting Go; Phyllis Vine, advocate and author of Families in Pain: Children, Siblings, Spouses and Parents of the Mentally Ill Speak Out; Ruthanne Becker, vice-president of rehabilitation services at MHA; and Cindy Peterson-Dana, director of peer and recovery support services at MHA. They will share thoughts about their own families’ journeys and the networks of assistance they helped create for their children. The panel will then open the floor to conversation with the audience.

For 70 years, MHA has promoted mental health in Westchester through advocacy, community education and direct services. It offers a range of services that are recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and individualized to promote recovery and wellness.

Space is limited. Reserve a spot by registering at MHAWestchester.org.