Mental Health First Aid in Educational & Youth Settings
Recognizing, Responding & Supporting Children, Adolescents & Young People
Children, adolescents and young people today face increasing emotional, social and psychological challenges. Teachers, youth workers and social workers are often the first professionals to notice changes in behaviour, mood or functioning, yet many feel uncertain about how to respond in an appropriate and supportive way.
Description
This 5-day training course aims to strengthen participants’ mental health literacy and equip them with practical mental health first aid skills relevant to educational and youth settings. The course focuses on recognising early warning signs of emotional distress, responding with empathy and confidence, and understanding professional boundaries and referral pathways.
The training adopts a non-clinical, prevention-focused approach, empowering participants to provide initial support while respecting the limits of their professional role and collaborating effectively with mental health services. No previous mental health training is required.
Learning objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
- develop a clearer understanding of child and adolescent mental health
- increase their ability to recognize early warning signs of emotional distress
- strengthen their confidence in providing initial, supportive responses
- understand ethical responsibilities and professional boundaries
- learn how and when to refer children and young people to specialized support
- enhance their capacity to contribute to mentally healthy educational and youth environments
Methodology & assessment
The training is delivered through interactive and experiential learning methods, combining short theoretical inputs with practical exercises and reflection. Participants engage in case studies, group discussions, role-play activities and skills practice based on real-life situations from educational and youth work settings.
Learning is supported through continuous formative assessment, focusing on reflection and practical application rather than formal testing. Assessment methods include guided self-reflection, group feedback, peer discussion, practical exercises and the development of individual action plans.
Participants are encouraged to reflect on their learning throughout the course and to identify how the acquired knowledge and skills can be transferred to their professional practice.
Materials, digital tools & other learning resources
These include:
- presentation slides
- practical worksheets
- case study materials
- reflective exercises
- digital and printable resources such as observation checklists, communication guides, mental health first aid frameworks and action planning templates, which can be adapted and used in professional settings
Certification details
All participants who attend at least 80% of the training programme will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
The certificate will include the course title, total training hours, learning objectives, dates and location of the course, as well as the name and signature of the trainer and the course provider.
The certificate reflects the non-formal and experiential learning approach of the course and supports the recognition of learning outcomes within the Erasmus+ framework.
Pricing, packages and other information
Price: 450 Euro
Course package content: The course fee includes participation in the 5-day training programme, training materials, access to digital learning resources and a certificate of attendance.
Upon request and following prior arrangement, additional services such as accommodation support, selected meals and cultural or educational visits can be organised. These services are optional and tailored to the needs of the participating group.
Cancellation & changes: Cancellations must be communicated in writing. Cancellations up to 14 days before the course start are free of charge. For cancellations made less than 14 days prior, the course provider may charge a cancellation fee depending on incurred costs. Participant substitutions are accepted. In case of unforeseen circumstances (e.g. force majeure), the provider reserves the right to reschedule, adapt or cancel the course, ensuring timely communication and appropriate solutions for participants.
Language: English, Greek (if all participants are Greek speaking)
Target audience: Teachers, social workers, youth workers, people working in settings with young children and adolescents