Mental first aid at schools - learning from helpers in practice
The OÖ. Youth Red Cross is now offering psychological first aid as part of first aid courses at schools. To this end, first aid instructors have received further training in psychological first aid. In addition, the Upper Austrian Youth Red Cross formed a pool of volunteers from the crisis intervention teams. They offer intensive workshops for high school students. From the second school term of 2024, schools will be able to book this offer of three teaching units for sixth formers.
The principle of action: Look, Listen, Link - look, listen and network
In the workshops, pupils are taught the "Look-Listen-Link" principle of action formulated by the WHO. Look: learn to recognise and assess symptoms. Listen: Listen carefully and try to understand needs. Link: Connect people with offers of help. "This principle is easy to remember and makes it possible to recognise when someone needs psychosocial help," says Upper Austrian Red Cross President Dr Aichinger Walter. Young people need mental strength to be able to help others. This is why exercises to strengthen their own resources are part of the workshops.
The aim is to sensitise pupils and offer them concrete support. The aim is not only to raise awareness of mental health, but also to make support accessible with a low-threshold principle of action.
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Source: PA Red Cross