The Playfield Project aims to redefine how mental health is addressed in youth work by equipping youth workers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support young people's well-being. Mental health has become one of the most urgent challenges facing youth today, exacerbated by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, migration, political tensions, and the war in Ukraine. Despite its increasing importance, many youth workers feel unprepared to handle mental health issues effectively, often relying on self-learning and informal knowledge due to the lack of structured training and professional support. This project will bridge the gap between youth work and mental health awareness, ensuring that youth workers are not only prepared to identify mental health challenges but also equipped to intervene appropriately and collaborate with mental health professionals when needed. Through non-formal education, hands-on training, and peer learning, The Playfield Project will empower youth workers to foster a culture of mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and create supportive environments in their organizations and communities. Objectives from a Youth Work Perspective: - Increase mental health competencies – Provide structured, accessible, and evidence-based training to improve youth workers’ understanding of mental health literacy, early intervention, and crisis response. - Enhance practical intervention skills – Equip youth workers with hands-on strategies to support young people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or crisis situations. - Create safer and more inclusive spaces – Train youth workers to foster an environment where mental health concerns can be openly discussed without stigma. - Build a strong support network – Establish The Playfield Hub, a peer-learning and resource-sharing platform where youth workers can connect, collaborate, and continue developing their skills beyond the training course. - Encourage youth workers as mental health multipliers – Empower participants to share their knowledge and practices with colleagues, young people, and partner organizations, amplifying the project’s long-term impact. - Integrate mental health awareness into youth work – Support youth organizations in embedding mental health strategies into their programs, policies, and day-to-day interactions. By implementing The Playfield Project, we will strengthen youth workers' capacity to act as first-line mental health supporters, ensuring that young people feel understood, supported, and empowered within youth work environments. This initiative will transform mental health from an overlooked issue to an integral part of youth work, making a lasting impact on individuals, organizations, and communities.