Mental Health First Aid for Everyone

Content

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.
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First, get inspiredThis 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 demonstrating your ability to provide mental health first aid and support those in need.
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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

Mental Health First Aider Get this badge

This badge is awarded for completing the Mental Health First Aid for Everyone activity. By learning and practising mental health first aid techniques, you have shown your ability to recognise when someone is struggling and offer immediate support. This badge acknowledges your practical skills in crisis response, empathy, and peer support, demonstrating your preparedness to assist others in a real-world context.
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Skills and experiences gained (aligned with LifeComp competences):
Crisis intervention (connected to LifeComp Dimension P1 Flexibility): You’ve developed skills in recognising the signs of a mental health crisis and providing initial support, demonstrating your ability to adapt and respond effectively to challenging situations.
Confidence in supporting others (connected to LifeComp Dimension P1 Self-regulation): You’ve gained hands-on experience through workshops, scenario practice, and the support buddy agreement, enhancing your confidence in supporting peers during distress.
Peer support (connected to LifeComp Dimension S2 Collaboration): Demonstrated your ability to build meaningful, supportive relationships through the support peer agreement, working collaboratively to create a safe and trusting environment for you and your buddy.
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By completing badge tasks, you demonstrated practical knowledge and ability to provide mental health first aid. This badge recognises your preparedness to offer meaningful support and create a safe and supportive space for others in need. It acknowledges your efforts to achieve 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

Complete a mental health first aid workshop:
Task: Attend a live or self-paced mental health first aid workshop where you learn to provide support during a mental health crisis.
Evidence: Submit proof of participation (e.g., certificate, completion email, or screenshots) and a reflection on what you learned and how it will help you support others.

Task no.2

Evidence verified by: one activity organiser

Practice first aid techniques in a scenario:
Task: Participate in a scenario practice session, choosing a role-playing or observer position to apply or understand mental health first aid skills.
Evidence: Submit a description of your experience, focusing on what you learned from the scenario and how it increased your confidence.

Task no.3

Evidence verified by: one activity organiser

Make and follow a peer support agreement:
Task: Agree with your friend to practice mental health first aid skills through regular check-ins and support sessions.
Evidence: Submit 2-3 examples of your experience in supporting your friend. Highlight the skills you applied, your support and the outcomes of your interactions.

Skills

LIFECOMP

#Flexibility

LIFECOMP

#Self-regulation

LIFECOMP

#Collaboration

Civic engagement

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.