Over a chilly week in August, eight eager participants from across New South Wales, Australia, attended the Black Dog Institute in Randwick to gain their qualification as Youth Aware of Mental Health Instructors. The course was expertly run by three highly experienced Trainers excited to get back to delivering YAM post-COVID lockdown. Each day began with the morning ritual of temperature checks, digital check-ins, and healthy slathers of sanitiser on all hands and surfaces.
To kick the week off, participants were invited to tap into their 15-year-old selves, sharing the hairstyles, outfits, and music that defined their adolescence. Over the course of the week, the small group became closely connected through various activities. Informative theory sessions examining the evidence base and impact of the YAM program fueled fruitful discussions into the challenging real-world struggles of youth. Collaborative pair tasks led to insightful reflection around mental health, coping strategies, and ways to seek help. The interactive learning process was whole-heartedly embraced by all, demonstrated through the performance of a number of Oscar-worthy socially-distanced role-plays of the difficult dilemmas teenagers may face. To conclude the week, participants put their skills into practice, each presenting parts of the Opening Session, gaining constructive and supportive feedback from the team of Trainers.
After five days of learning, laughs, and lunchtime slide-rides, each participant was ready to step into their new Instructor role and welcomed into the enthusiastic and supportive YAM family promoting positive change and brighter futures for youth around the world.
Post by Tiffany Barreca, YAM Instructor and course participant
