The topic of mental health has been discussed far and wide, especially in relation to the lasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic on young people.
After completing Near Neighbors CATALYST Youth Leadership Training in Luton, a few young people from Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, and no faith backgrounds followed it up with a 2-day Mental Health First Aid training programme. This was funded by Near Neighbours and co-delivered by Grassroots, Luton Council of Faiths, Feast Programme and CYCD (Centre for Youth & Community Development) in Luton.
A few community workers and leaders also benefited from this training on mental health and leadership development.
A participant remarked, "It was a specialist training to improve our understanding of mental health issues and how to identify, understand and help someone who may be affected by it. Additionally, we now know how to use HeartMath to promote personal resilience, boost positive wellbeing, and tackle stigma related to mental health.”
A community worker at The Feast youth engagement programme said, “Being on the same learning level as young people has been quite enlightening. It was a good idea to have a cross-generational discussion.”
Trainers Rosalind Paul and Ryad Khodabocus said, “We are confident this training will significantly improve the lives of young people in Luton. With the current climate we find our communities in – it has never been more important to educate ourselves on how best to support those around us with mental health-related issues and how to self-care and grow stronger and resilient as we serve others.”
The training course covered key topics such as suicide, self-harm, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), phobias, anxiety and depression. It also discussed how to spot signs of these issues and how best to support individuals suffering from any of these.
In a statement, Luton’s Near Neighbours Programme remarked, “The ongoing climate change, refugee and cost of living crises have caused extreme economic & social disadvantages in our world today. These have also increased the difficulties with mental health. Therefore, it is critical to provide training opportunities like these to strengthen our shared relationship and obligation to one another. Each of us may contribute in some way, particularly if we have prepared ourselves by participating in training programmes like these.”
Young people from different and no faith backgrounds participated in a 2-day Mental Health & Fitness training programme funded by Near Neighbours as part of its youth leadership development initiative called CATALYST.
Young people from different and no faith backgrounds participated in a 2-day Mental Health & Fitness training programme funded by Near Neighbours as part of its youth leadership development initiative called CATALYST.
