Along with many other organisations worldwide, we were forced to pause our activities due to COVID-19. The pandemic is not over yet, but with a number of protective measures we were finally able to train new YAM Instructors again! Two of our Trainers wanted to share their experiences with our YAM community.
Nerves and butterflies
Fall is already on its way. It’s that beautiful time of the year when the air is crispy but it’s still warm outside, and now, most importantly, we’re finally back doing YAM courses!
The first course in Sweden since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic took place in Linköping. Half of the participants were from Linköping and the other half came from Kalmar. Something particularly special about this time is that the YAM implementation in Linköping will be part of a larger research project. The researchers want to investigate how to prevent mental illness and self-harming behaviours among young people.
Some nerves and butterflies were felt among us Trainers, since we hadn’t facilitated a course in such a long time. And of course, everyone felt a little rusty! But mostly, it was nice to be reunited with old colleagues and talking about the YAM program again. Not to mention, getting to watch adults transform themselves into 15-year-olds for our role-plays throughout the week is always a guaranteed laugh!
A big thank you to everyone who helped turn it into a nice and inspiring week in beautiful and sunny Linköping!
Written by Amanda Nordanhag Löwemo, YAM Trainer, Sweden
A sense of connection
Finally! YAM Instructor Courses are up and running again and I feel thrilled as I step off the subway to hold my first course in a long time. The leaves in Stockholm are a beautiful bright red and yellow and the sun is shining to match my mood. I don’t know if everyone has had the same longing to connect IRL as I have, but it certainly feels that way.
My fellow Trainer colleagues and I work well together, excited to be able to do this work that we are all passionate about – and the group seems to share these feelings. The participants become personal and close in just a matter of hours!
Doing YAM courses in post-pandemic times seems to bring a new aspect of interest in each others’ experiences and reflections, and the week is full of not only learning the YAM method but a closeness and deep respect between the participants in the group that leaves us all with a sense of connection and gratefulness.
Written by Frieda Wentworth, YAM Trainer, Sweden