FundLife youth mentors, among participants in the Adolescent Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Training of Trainers at Lorenza Hotel, Tacloban City on July 31 – August 2, 2024
This training was part of the Peer Reaching Out to Empower Children and Youth of Tacloban (PROTECT) initiative, organized by the City Health Office in collaboration with the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) Eastern Visayas. The primary objective of the training was to equip local professionals, including healthcare workers, guidance counselors, teachers, and youth mentors, with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver mental health and psychosocial support interventions tailored to the needs of adolescents and young adults.
The training covered various topics, focusing on the developmental changes individuals experience from childhood through adulthood and the common challenges faced during this transition. Participants engaged in various activities aimed at identifying and assessing anxiety triggers in adolescents and learning practical strategies to support their peers effectively. By the end of the program, the participants were better equipped to recognize anxiety issues and provide the necessary support to help manage these challenges.
Another significant aspect of the training was the emphasis on Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) for individuals impacted by disasters and traumatic events. The peer facilitators were trained to deliver appropriate support to ensure that the psychosocial needs of survivors are effectively addressed. Additionally, they learned to use the Rapid HEEADSSS tool, a comprehensive assessment tool designed to evaluate adolescents' mental health, which helps identify cases that require further referral and specialized intervention.
The involvement of FundLife's youth mentors in this training is not just a short-term gain but a long-term investment. It significantly enhances their ability to address mental health concerns among the young people they support, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster a healthier, more resilient community.
“Adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 experience a distinctive phase marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. This transitional period can make them especially susceptible to mental health challenges. It's crucial to foster mental and psychosocial well-being early in this age group to help them build and sustain the social and emotional skills necessary for maintaining mental health as they move into adulthood,” said teacher Yael, one of FundLife's youth mentors who participated in the training.
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