SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In Springfield, a free mental health and wellness fair is supporting local youth.

Wayfinders hosted Springfield Rise and Thrive for the first time on Friday. The event is a resident and youth-led initiative to raise mental health awareness and break the stigma surrounding asking for help. Springfield middle and high schoolers got to immerse themselves in a supportive peer community at Samuel Bolden Park, featuring poetry, drum and dance performances, inspirational speakers, and mental health resources.

"We want our young people to know there are other ways and other spaces and places," said Community Building and Engagement Director at WayFinders, Beatrice Dewberry. "If you're struggling with anything."

"It's a nice thing to see the community come together, e

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