This activity helps you understand how mental health impacts people differently based on their backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. By developing empathy and learning how to provide inclusive support, you can help create safe and welcoming spaces for everyone. With options like empathy-building discussions, online learning, and collaborative action planning, this activity ensures you can support others inclusively and respectfully.
First, get thoughtful.
'Journeys Through Mental Health' was EachOther's first comic strip, created out of conversations we'd been having with young people who had lived experience of mental health issues. It was illustrated by the amazing Sabba Khan and made in partnership with Richmond Fellowship. If you've been struggling with any issues raised in this animation, you can access various resources and organisations on their spotlight page or similar services in your city or town.
This is an animated version of Marcus' story, which looks at how the breakdown of school structures can affect a young person's mental health and how Marcus found his purpose through developing new, practical skills. Please note that Marcus' story contains references to drug use, overdoses and depression and may be triggering to some people.
This is an animated version of Ray's story. Ray experienced a lot of family turmoil when she was younger but managed to find her way through her struggles thanks to a particular sport. Please note that Ray's story contains references to family trauma, substance abuse, alcoholism, self-harm and body image issues and may be triggering to some people.
This is an animated version of Tia's story. Tia experienced a lot of loss when she was younger, but by finally getting diagnosed, she managed to find the support she needed to get through. Please note that Tia's story contains references to infant death, grief, suicide and depression and may be triggering for some people.
Now, take action!
By completing the following activities, you'll learn how to provide inclusive and empathetic mental health support, ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and understood when seeking help.
- Venture to empathy-building (at your comfort level): Participate in a small group or online discussion where you practice active listening and empathy. This safe space allows for sharing personal experiences or observing if you're not ready to speak so everyone can engage at their own pace. Here are some helpful tips on participating in sharing circles.
- Inclusive mental health learning activity: Complete a self-paced online module or, if available, an in-person programme that introduces the concept of inclusivity in mental health support. Learn practical strategies for recognising how identity factors (e.g., race, gender, socio-economic status) affect mental health outcomes and how to make support spaces more inclusive.
- Promote inclusive mental health: Collaborate with a small group or individually to develop an action plan that promotes inclusivity in mental health support. This could focus on small but impactful steps, such as setting up peer support groups, advocating for inclusive language, or creating a more welcoming environment in your community, youth club or school.
Get your badge!
Complete some activities from the list above and apply for a badge (=click the "Get this badge" button below) by submitting your action plan and what you've learned to support others inclusively.
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.