Felix Ross speaks out to Newbury College student as Netflix series Adolescence shines spotlight on young people’s safety

An up-and-coming singer-songwriter visited Newbury College earlier this month, spreading a powerful message in an enrichment session about key issues affecting young people, writes Ace Beattie.

Issues including mental health, misogyny and discrimination were discussed, with Felix Ross (@felixmakesnoise) himself using his growing platform to champion inclusivity and mental wellbeing.

They began the event on April 1 with some of Felix’s live music, in which he expresses honest and atmospheric lyrics to resonate with younger audiences, followed by an engaging talk where Felix spoke about his own mental health struggles and pressures within the music industry.

Dawn Butcher, positive behaviour coach at Newbury College, said: “Felix’s visit was a brilliant way to engage our students in conversations that really matter... he created a safe, relatable space for young people to explore difficult topics like misogyny and mental health.”

Afterwards, the college said a parent had messaged a thankful email, sharing the powerful message that Felix’s visit had on her daughter.

“My daughter came home and, for the first time ever, opened up to me about her anxiety and sadness,” they said.

Newbury College has been praised for the supportive environment that it offers students.

The talk with Felix Ross was part of its pastoral and personal development programme, which is used to discuss key themes in the lives of young adults, covering healthy relationships, online safety and emotional wellbeing.

The college said it was focusing on mental health and wellbeing come at a very important time for young people, with the release of Netflix’s Adolescence.

Jatinder Matharu, director of safeguarding and support at the college, said: “Our priority is to create a respectful, inclusive environment where students feel safe to express themselves and speak out.

“Sessions like this not only raise awareness but help students think critically about the world around them – on and offline.”