Youth workers and other professionals who work with young people are central to this project. The theoretical framework, practical tools and pilot training are all directed at equipping youth workers with awareness, knowledge, skills and methodologies for promoting positive mental health of young people. This section of the web page will provide you with information about the outputs of this project that can help improve the competences of youth workers for working on promotion of positive mental health. All outputs are available in the Resources section of this project.
Introduction to the theoretical framework with a model (IO1)
The Framework for Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in the European Youth Sector is part of the first intellectual output of the project. Based on existing theories and best practice guidelines of mental health promotion and positive youth development, the framework provides the theoretical background for promoting positive mental health and social and emotional development in young people. The framework will respond to the lack of a systematic approach for promoting youth mental health and wellbeing in the European Youth Sector.
The framework introduces the concept of positive mental health, defines its determinants and explains why promotion of positive mental health is important. It also explores social and emotional learning and development of young people and explains the impact of positive mental health on these processes. The framework introduces a new framework for promoting positive youth mental, and discusses the potential for its implementation in the youth sector, relying on youth organizations as a setting for mental health promotion.
The Framework for Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in the European Youth Sector is already prepared and it is available here and in the downloads section.
Introduction to the youth workers competence model (IO1)
An integral part of the Framework for Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in the European Youth Sector is a new competence model that contains the basic competencies required from youth workers to effectively promote the mental health of young people. The competence model is based on the existing Youth Work Portfolio of the Council of Europe and the competencies required to promote mental health among young people defined in the Orygen’s National Youth Mental Health Training Framework (2016) The competence model for youth workers will be used as a basis for developing the third intellectual output – an innovative curriculum for a pilot course on the promotion of positive mental health.
Introduction to the youth workers manual (IO2)
The Youth Workers Manual is part of the second intellectual output of this project. The manual addresses the question of how youth workers can promote positive mental health, and it provides a selection of approaches based on organizations’ past experiences and good practices. All approaches include multidisciplinary tools and methodologies, while their effectiveness is illustrated through real stories told by youth workers.
Each approach described in the manual has practical strategies for its implementation in practice.
Furthermore, the manual also lists 10 key elements for excellence of positive mental health promotion in youth work and provides practical guidelines for their application. Suggestions for further reading for the key elements and approaches are also provided.
The Youth Workers Manual is still in a process of development. Once it is ready, it will be made available here and in the downloads section of this web page.
Introduction to the background readings (IO1)
Besides the theoretical framework, the first intellectual output of the project also incorporates a collection of articles written by staff members of project’s partner organizations. The articles represent a critical review of topics relevant to promotion of positive mental health in the youth sector. While some articles explore theories and research, others are related to specific practices for promoting positive mental health. As a supporting resource of the theoretical framework, the articles make a direct link to the second intellectual output – the manuals for youth organizations and youth workers.