Support for All: Building Inclusive Mental Health Spaces

Content

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Get activity badge

Inclusive Mental Health Supporter Get this badge

This badge is awarded for completing the Inclusive Mental Health Support activity. By learning about the diverse experiences people have with mental health and exploring how to provide inclusive and empathetic support, you have shown your commitment to creating mental health spaces that welcome and respect everyone. You are better equipped to support individuals from different backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive mental health culture.
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Skills and experiences gained (aligned with European LifeComp competence framework):
Empathy (connected to LifeComp S1 Empathy): You’ve deepened your understanding of how mental health challenges vary based on diverse life experiences and backgrounds, building empathy and the ability to offer support.
Inclusivity (connected to LifeComp S1 Empathy): You’ve learned how to create inclusive environments for mental health support, ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and respected.
Collaboration (connected to LifeComp S3 Collaboration): You’ve developed the ability to work with others to promote inclusive practices in mental health support.
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By completing these tasks, you will show your ability to provide inclusive, empathetic mental health support. This badge recognises your commitment to making mental health services accessible and welcoming to all and acknowledges your efforts to the European Youth Goal #5 Mental Health and Wellbeing. Cities of Learning Network partners value badge earner's efforts and contributions and issue this badge after reviewing the provided evidence.

You have to finish 2 tasks to get the badge

Tasks

Task no.1

Evidence verified by: one activity organiser

Empathy building:
Task: Participate in an empathy-building circle to reflect on and discuss diverse mental health experiences.
Evidence: Submit a reflection on what you learned and how it influenced your mental health support approach.

Task no.2

Evidence verified by: one activity organiser

Complete a training on inclusive mental health:
Task: Find online or in-person learning activities to complete the inclusive mental health training to learn about creating inclusive support spaces.
Evidence: Submit a summary of learning activities, key learning points and how you will apply these insights.

Task no.3

Evidence verified by: one activity organiser

Promote inclusive mental health:
Task: Develop an action plan for promoting inclusivity in mental health support in your school, youth club, workplace or community space.
Evidence: Submit your plan, explaining its goals and how you will implement it.

Skills

LIFECOMP

#Empathy

LIFECOMP

#Collaboration

Personal development

Added to playlist (1)

Organisers

Network of Cities and Regions of Learning

Used in playlists

Boost Your Well-being: Take Action for Mental Health

Network of Cities and Regions of Learning

Created on European Youth Goals

Badgecraft hosts this platform and develops it together with leading educational organisations. The European Union's programme Erasmus+ granted co-funding for building the first version of this platform. Contact support@badgecraft.eu.