Apie
This activity equips you with the tools to provide mental health first aid, focusing on offering initial support to struggling friends, family, or peers.
You’ll learn how to recognise the signs of a mental health crisis and provide the necessary help until professional support is available. The activity offers flexible options, such as low-pressure workshops, role-playing scenarios, and peer support groups, to ensure that everyone can participate comfortably and supportively.
First, get inspired
This video was created for students attending a mental health first aid teen training course. It provides an overview of Mental Health First Aid, what to expect and what you will learn when you attend a course.
Cecilia shares her powerful journey of discovering the importance of mental health first aid. Initially, she joined the Mental Health First Aid course with the intent to help others but soon realised she needed to address her mental health struggles.
Toluwanimi Jewel shares a poignant story from her previous job, where she used her Mental Health First Aid training to support her line manager experiencing burnout.
Joey shares his deeply personal and unique journey with mental health. After experiencing severe loneliness and a life-changing event in 2019, Joey found himself on a path of recovery and resilience.
Now, take action!
Completing the following activities will help you develop practical mental health first aid skills and gain confidence in supporting others in need.
- Mental health first aid workshop: Attend a workshop (available in-person or online) to learn essential skills for recognising and responding to mental health crises. This flexible format allows you to participate at your own pace, with self-paced online modules available for those who prefer to learn independently.
- Scenario practice (choose your level of engagement): Practise mental health first aid skills in a role-playing scenario. You can participate directly or observe the exercise if you feel more comfortable watching. These sessions allow you to build confidence by experiencing how to help in real-life situations in a supportive environment.
- Support buddy agreement: Agree with your peer, where you both engage in regular check-ins to practice mental health first aid skills in a real-world setting. This flexible and supportive option allows you to apply your knowledge in a safe, one-on-one environment, building your skills and confidence.
Get your badge!
Complete some activities from the list above and apply for a badge (=click the "Get this badge" button below) by demonstrating your ability to provide mental health first aid and support those in need.
Who is behind this activity?
Cities of Learning Network partners invite you to learn and do something about the European Youth Goal #5, Mental Health and Wellbeing. We value your efforts and contributions and want to reward you with badge recognition.
Contact us for more details about the Erasmus+ co-funded project "European Youth Goals for Cities of Learning."
- System&G, Greece - the project lead partner
- CODEC, Belgium
- Badgecraft, Lithuania
- System&G Finland
Disclaimer: We are grateful for the ideas generated by youth leaders and youth workers during the international study visits. To create this activity, humans collaborated with AI using the Youth Goals Hub GPT custom-built version, informed and inspired by the best youth work practices.