TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Maria Zygomani
The aim of this training course is to equip the participants with essential skills to address mental health challenges and build resilience while recognizing when to seek professional support.
Objectives
- Develop a practical understanding of mental health and wellbeing, with strategies for integrating it into daily life.
- Learn what psychological first aid entails and how to apply it effectively.
- Build and implement practices to support individuals in distress.
- Recognize the importance of self-care while helping others.
- Foster a collaborative environment for networking and future partnerships.
- Share and exchange tools, resources, and good practices for mental health support.
- Understand mental health services and mental health disorders.
- Know what psychological first aid is and what it is not
Target Group
The activity is addressed to:
- Youth workers
- Youth leaders
- Trainers/Learning facilitators
- Project Coordinators
- Mentors
- Coaches
who are:
- actively involved in Erasmus + / Youth projects and the European Solidarity Corps and feel that they need to upskill their competences in regards to dealing with mental health challenges;
- over 18 years old;
- able to communicate in English;
The methodology of the Prioritizing Mental Health training course was designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application to empower participants in addressing mental health challenges effectively. Through interactive workshops, participants developed a practical understanding of mental health, resilience strategies, and the essentials of psychological first aid. Experiential learning methods, such as role-playing and real-life scenarios, were employed to enhance their ability to support individuals in distress. Collaborative group work facilitated the exchange of tools, resources, and best practices while fostering a supportive environment for networking and future partnerships. Self-care was emphasized through guided exercises and reflective activities, ensuring participants could sustain their well-being while helping others. Facilitators Maria Zygomani and Eleni Kardamitsi provided expert insights, delivering case studies and fostering dynamic discussions. Cultural immersion in Chania, Greece, enriched the experience, promoting relaxation and holistic well-being. The course also offered opportunities for participants to share their experiences and resources, creating a community of practice. Finally, evaluation and follow-up plans ensured the long-term impact of the training, tracking how participants integrated their learning into their roles.
The training was highly valued for its hands-on and interactive approach, especially the workshops led by participants and the sharing of tools and experiences. Many participants found techniques like mindfulness, dance therapy, and psychological first aid useful for both their work and personal lives. The diverse group of participants added depth to the discussions and created a supportive and collaborative environment. Outdoor activities and group exercises were also well-received for being engaging and relevant.
Full-Time Trainer