1. You are here:
  2. Start / 
  3. Youth Workers as Mental Health Supporters

All new training offers in your inbox: Be the first to know about new training offers with our e-mail notifications.

Youth Workers as Mental Health Supporters

Training Course

1-10 October 2026 | Sakarya, Türkiye

“Youth Workers as Mental Health Supporters” empowers 28 youth workers through mental health, empathy, communication and digital literacy training, helping them combat misinformation and support young people’s well-being in their communities.

“Youth Workers as Mental Health Supporters” is an Erasmus+ KA153 Mobility of Youth Workers project designed to respond to the growing need to protect and promote young people’s mental well-being. The main objective of the project is to strengthen youth workers’ knowledge, practical skills and competences in the areas of mental health literacy, psychological well-being, empathy, effective communication, cultural understanding and digital literacy.

The main mobility activity, entitled “Mental Health Matters,” will take place in Türkiye from 1 to 10 October 2026. A total of 28 youth workers from different countries will participate in this professional development activity. Participants will have diverse professional backgrounds, including social work, psychology, family services, education, youth work, communication and non-formal education. The project also places a strong emphasis on the meaningful representation and active participation of people with fewer opportunities throughout the entire learning process.

The training programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical activities and experiential learning. Through empathy mapping, role-playing, group work, problem-solving activities, scenario-based exercises and project-based learning, participants will explore empathy, mental health first aid, interpersonal communication and general approaches to promoting psychological well-being. Intercultural learning will be an important component of the project. The programme will address culturally shaped stigma surrounding mental health, inclusive communication, language barriers and potential misunderstandings that may arise in intercultural contexts.

A distinctive component of the project is its focus on digital misinformation related to mental health. Young people are increasingly exposed to misleading, inaccurate or potentially harmful online content concerning psychological well-being and mental health. Therefore, participants will develop practical skills to critically evaluate digital content, identify misinformation and stereotypes, compare information sources, verify claims and promote reliable mental health information. The programme will also examine how social media can influence communication, self-expression, identity and psychological well-being.

The project is designed to create a sustainable multiplier effect beyond the mobility activity itself. Participants will be encouraged to transfer the knowledge, skills and tools gained during the activity to their organisations, colleagues and local communities. The project aims to achieve measurable outcomes, including the successful dissemination of the training results by at least 28 youth workers, increased mental health literacy, stronger active participation of young people with fewer opportunities, the production of at least 10 digital outputs, and increased awareness and resilience in addressing mental health misinformation.

In the long term, the project aims to contribute to improving young people’s well-being and strengthening youth work practices across Europe. The project results will be disseminated through local, national and European networks and will contribute to the broader objectives of the Erasmus+ programme. By bringing together mental health education, digital literacy, inclusion and intercultural learning, the project aims to empower youth workers to become more confident, informed and supportive figures for young people and to contribute to healthier, more resilient and inclusive communities.

Disclaimer!

Information about training activities reaches SALTO from the most different directions. SALTO cannot be held responsible for incorrect information or changes in the training activities. However, please inform SALTO, whenever you should come upon incorrect data in the European Training Calender. Always contact the organisers of the training activities themselves for the latest information.

Training overview

http://trainings.salto-youth.net/15216

This Training Course is

for 28 participants

from Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries

and recommended for

Youth workers, Youth leaders

Working language(s):

English

Organiser:

Sakarya Aİle ve Sosyal Hizmetler İl Müdürlüğü (National Agency)

The Ministry of Family and Social Services is one of the main public institutions responsible for strengthening individuals, families and communities from social, economic and psychological perspectives. Its areas of responsibility cover a wide range of services, including strengthening families, protecting and supporting children, increasing young people’s participation in social life, empowering women, older people and persons with disabilities, supporting the relatives of martyrs and veterans, and promoting the social inclusion of disadvantaged individuals.

Within this broad framework, youth work represents an important component of the Ministry’s social service approach. Young people are not considered merely as beneficiaries of services, but as active individuals who should be empowered to participate in decisions affecting their lives and communities.

Our youth work activities focus on areas such as psychosocial support, social and cultural participation, volunteering, communication and life skills, prevention of addiction, digital awareness, mental health and well-being, social inclusion and support for young people with fewer opportunities. Particular importance is given to preventive and protective approaches that help young people recognise social and psychological risks at an early stage and access appropriate support mechanisms when needed.

We also encourage national and international projects, youth exchanges, training programmes, workshops and non-formal learning activities that bring young people from different cultural and social backgrounds together. These activities provide opportunities for young people to develop their self-confidence, social skills, intercultural communication competences and sense of social responsibility.

Our approach to youth work is based on identifying and strengthening young people’s existing capacities, developing their social support networks and helping them become more resilient, informed, active and socially responsible members of society. To achieve this, we cooperate with public institutions, local authorities, universities, non-governmental organisations and international partners in order to improve the quality, accessibility and impact of youth-oriented social services.

Through these efforts, we aim to create an environment in which every young person can develop their potential, participate actively in society and access the social and psychological support they need. This approach is particularly important in addressing contemporary challenges such as social exclusion, loneliness, mental health concerns, digital risks and the need for stronger community connections.

Contact for questions:

Osman

Phone: +905367940394

E-Mail:

Phone: +905319411995

Costs

Participation fee

Participants will not be charged any fee for taking part in the project. Participation in all project activities is completely free of charge. Eligible travel, accommodation, meals and activity-related expenses will be covered in accordance with the project budget provided under the Erasmus+ programme. No additional participation or registration fees will be requested from participants.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation and meal expenses for project participants will be covered within the project budget. Participants will not be charged any fees for accommodation or meals.

Accommodation will be provided throughout the project period, and breakfast, lunch and dinner will also be covered by the project, including meals provided during the activities. No additional payment will be requested from participants for these services.

Travel reimbursement

Participants’ travel expenses for travelling to and returning from Türkiye, including flight tickets, train tickets, bus tickets and other eligible transportation costs, will be covered through the Erasmus+ project budget.

Participants will initially purchase and pay for their own flight tickets, train tickets, bus tickets and other eligible travel expenses. After the travel, they will submit the required travel documents to the project coordinator, such as tickets, invoices, payment receipts and other relevant proof of travel. Based on these documents, eligible Erasmus+ travel support will be reimbursed to the participants.

The amount to be reimbursed will be determined according to the distance band between the participant’s place of departure and the location of the project activity, as well as the type of transportation used. Therefore, participants must coordinate their travel plans with the project coordinator and obtain approval before purchasing their tickets.

Reimbursement will be provided in accordance with the travel support amounts and payment rules established under the Erasmus+ grant rules. If the actual travel expenses exceed the applicable Erasmus+ travel support amount, the difference cannot be covered by the project.

Participants are entitled to receive a Youthpass certificate from the organiser, for recognition of their competence development during the activity. Read more about Youthpass:

Youthpass Logo
back to top