On 6th January and 15th February, partners gathered to prepare for national-level training sessions aimed at promoting mental health education!
The YoungMinds project recently held 2 key internal sessions to prepare partners for delivering national training. Each session gathered 10 to 16 participants to delve into various aspects of mental health education. The sessions aimed to equip educators with the tools and confidence to deliver effective training on mental health topics.
The first session focused on the biopsychosocial approach, highlighting the importance of considering social, psychological, and biological factors in mental health. Partners explored mental health models, including the recovery model, which promotes a strength-based approach. Practical methods for reducing stigma, fostering open discussions, and creating safe spaces were also covered. Participants were trained in empathetic listening, guiding students to professional help, and providing emotional support. This session laid the foundation for empowering educators to support students’ mental well-being with understanding and compassion.
The second session focused on two key areas: filmmaking and critical thinking. It began by introducing filmmaking techniques, teaching participants how to integrate film as a tool for discussing mental health in the classroom. The session then shifted to the critical thinking approach, emphasising the importance of fostering self-reflection and dialogue through methods such as Socratic dialogue and the Community of Philosophical Inquiry (CoI). This comprehensive approach aims to enhance students’ understanding of mental health while promoting deeper, more thoughtful discussions.
By the end of the sessions, participants were equipped to implement film-based lesson plans, tailor them to their national contexts, and lead meaningful mental health discussions at the local level. The sessions laid the foundation for a wider initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for students’ mental well-being.
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