Unplug to Reconnect is a powerful, in-person event at Kingswood School, exploring how technology is affecting youth mental health - and what we can do about it. Hosted by The Digital Detox Club and My Resilient Mind, the afternoon gathering will bring together powerful speakers, student performances, music, and real stories to shine a light on the social and emotional cost of life online. With smart phones sealed in pouches on arrival, this will be a rare chance to be fully present in a space designed for honesty, connection, and hope.
You’ll hear from authors, educators, musicians, and young people themselves, as we unpack topics like social media pressure, screen addiction, and emotional resilience. From compelling talks and poetry to raw interviews and live performances, every moment is designed to inspire meaningful reflection - and collective action.
The event will finish with a dive into our breakout space, a joyful, hands-on zone packed with screen-free fun. Get creative with clay, fabric art, crafts, try boxing or yoga, relax in the chill out space, or simply enjoy connecting with others face-to-face. You’ll leave feeling lighter, stronger, and more connected.
Join the movement and reclaim real life with us.
**Event Programme **
**First half - The Problem ** Intro from Nicola MacDonald, The Digital Detox Club Co Founder
Social Media : a film from Boys in Mind
Music performance - Lauren Helyar, Musician
How social media can feed hatred and isolation - Nicola MacDonald, The Digital Detox Club Co Founder
Lifting the veil on big tech - Shona Beats, Former COO Headspace
The link between smartphones & mental health - Dr. Susie Davies, Founder of Papaya Parents
Interview of teens - how to survive without a smartphone
**Interval - Snacks & drinks **
**Second half - The Solutions **
#Reclaim the net - Taking control of our digital lives - Conor Warren , Founder of Spark UK
Resilience and mindfulness - Nicola MacDonald, The Digital Detox Club Co Founder
Spoken Word piece - The importance of presence - Mark De’Lisser, Poet
How to be human in our digital world- Laura Hughes, Founder The Digital Detox Club
The mental health benefits of music - Lauren Helyar, Musician
The benefits of writing and spoken word for mental health - Mark De' Lisser, Poet
Art as a healing force, a path home to ourselves and resilience - Lorna Bode, Artist
The healing power of nature - Tash Filer, National Trust Ambassador
The mental health benefits of exercise - Barbara Baskerville, Co Founder of Baskervilles School of Gymnastics
The event will end with an inspiring break out session providing a space to discover new offline passions - with taster activities such as clay workshops, fitness, gymnastics, fabric art and games to explore what the real world has to offer.
