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The Art of Support: Psychological First Aid Training for youth workers

2023-2-SK02-KA153-YOU-0001679842023Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: SK|AM|BG|PL|GE|DE|EE|UA|HR · Grant: €25,892
Initial and continuous training for teachers, trainers and other education staffPhysical and mental health, well-being

Objectives

The project aimed to enhance the quality of youth work by equipping youth workers with psychological first aid (PFA) competencies and tools. To achieve this goal, a training course was envisioned and successfully conducted, bringing together 30 participants from 9 countries. The course provided the participants with 7 working days to go through the process of personal and professional development, develop competencies, and gain tools that they could apply in their daily work. The training course had several objectives, including raising the participants' awareness of the PFA concept and its relevance to youth work practice, equipping 30 youth workers with youth developmental psychology knowledge necessary for quality youth work, equipping them with PFA practical methods and techniques to be used for reducing the psychological distress of their target group and forming a network of like-minded people and organisations for developing at least one follow-up initiative aimed at supporting the management of any psychological crises during youth work. Participants were given 3 months after the main training course to choose and implement one part or stage of the PFA circle during their work and prepare a report for that. After this time period, an online survey was held where participants shared their results, successes, and observations. This survey served as the final reflection time. The tangible result of the project was a special method book, developed by trainers and coordinating organizations after the training course. The method book included a collection of methods, tools, presentations, and discussion outcomes from the training course. This report documents the entire project, its achievements, and the materials created for future reference and use. By achieving these objectives, the project sought to contribute to the well-being and resilience of young people, particularly those facing adversity or crises.

Project partners (9)