We are offering children and young people FREE training to become Young Listeners, to improve conversation on mental health in and outside of school.
The training aims to empower children and young people with active listening skills to support their peers effectively, fostering empathy, understanding, and trust within their communities.
Find out more about this unique training opportunity for young people below.
Please note: Young people can only be referred to this programme if they are already accessing Tier 2 mental health support. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept young people who are currently accessing Tier 3 or 4 support.
What’s involved?
We are on a mission to improve conversations on mental health and increase awareness, while equipping children and young people with essential skills to support their peers who might be experiencing mental health problems.
Our Young Listeners course is delivered in Youth Clubs, Community Centres and Family Hubs.
_Course Structure
Week 1: Understanding Emotions
Introduction to emotions and the importance of recognising and managing them.
Week 2: Stress Management Techniques
Equipping practical coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
Week 3: Effective Communication Skills
Teaching effective communication, active listening and building healthy relationships.
Week 4: Self-Care Practices
Encourage prioritising self- as a fundamental aspect of mental wellbeing.
Week 5: Accessing Support Networks
Educate on available mental health resources and services and how to seek and signpost support when needed.
Week 6: Building Resilience and Closure
Foster resilience and empower the application of the skills learned in the programme to navigate challenges confidently.
_Additional Components
- Delivered by a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner alongside Programme Facilitators and experienced volunteers with a background in psychology, youth work and counselling.
- Guest speakers, such as counsellors or mental health professionals, to provide insights on active listening and emotional support.
- Interactive presentations and activities to reinforce learning in a fun and engaging way.
- Take-home assignments to practice listening skills outside of the classroom setting.
_Location
London Borough of Havering (more locations coming soon)
_Upcoming Dates
Cohort 1: May 1st – 5th June 2024 (every Wednesday between 5pm – 8pm) (4 spaces left)
Cohort 2: June 26th – 31st July 2024 (every Wednesday between 5pm – 8pm) (21 spaces left)
_Our Young Listeners Team
Course Aims and Outcomes
1. Active Listening Skills
Young Listeners will gain essential active listening skills which will help lead empathetic and understanding conversations on mental health.
2. Reduce Stigma
Young Listeners will be trained to challenge mental health stigma sensitively and positively at home, in school and within the wider community.
3. Develop Resilience
Gain active listening skills, increased empathy and emotional intelligence, fostering deeper connections and sense of belonging.
4. Improved Awareness
Young Listeners will have improved understanding on mental health and how to recognise a friend or family member in emotional distress.
5. Increased Confidence
Young Listeners will feel empowered to have conversations with their friends, having increased confidence to support others.
6. Swift Signposting
Young Listeners will be trained to signpost their friends and family members to relevant services/individual e.g. teacher, trusted adult or GP.