CSAReps Team Completed the Young Mental Health First Aid Training Course
On June 22nd and 23rd, 2026, the CSAReps team took an important step in strengthening our supportive research practices. Our research assistant, Olivia Susilo, attended a comprehensive two-day Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) course, professionally delivered by Mental Health First Aid Ireland.
This specialized course is designed for adults who live with, work with, or support young people aged 12 to 18. It teaches participants how to assist a young person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan.
A Peek Inside The Classroom
The training took place in an interactive group setting with about 15 participants from diverse backgrounds, including social workers, counsellors, and teachers – all guided by two expert instructors.
Through a mix of informative presentations, case studies, and small group discussions, the course covered critical topics, such as:
– Depression amongst youths.
– Anxiety in teenagers.
– Eating disorders and body image issues.
– Psychosis, like schizophrenia.
– Substance use and its impact on youth.
Collaborating with other professionals who work with youth every day was incredibly eye-opening. It highlighted just how common these challenges are, and how much of a difference a “one good adult” (as they mentioned in the course) can make. At the end of the course, participants also received the Youth Mental Health First Aid Manual: A Manual For Adults Assisting Young People, a detailed and invaluable handbook for supporting young people in our daily lives and research.
The ALGEE Framework
The core of the training focused on ALGEE – an evidence-based, five-step action plan designed to help adults navigate difficult conversations with young people in distress. Here is how it works:
– A – Approach, Assess, and Assist: Approach the young person gently if you notice changes in their behavior. Assess the situation for any immediate crisis or risk of harm, and then, assist them in finding a safe space.
– L – Listen Without Judgement: This is perhaps the most important step. It means listening to understand, not to judge or immediately “fix” the problem. Letting a young person express their feelings without interruption can build vital trust.
– G – Give Support and Information: Offer quiet reassurance, validate their emotions, and provide clear, accurate information rather than personal opinions.
– E – Encourage Appropriate Professional Help: Help the young person explore professional support options, such as school counselors, therapists, GPs, or youth mental health services.
– E – Encourage Other Supports: Help them identify a wider safety net, including family, trusted friends, or community groups, so they do not feel isolated on their journey.
Moving Forward
You might wonder how mental health first aid connects to a literary and cultural research project like CSAReps.
Because our project focuses on child sexual abuse (CSA), we are constantly engaging with narratives of trauma, mental health issues, and recovery. Understanding the real-world realities of youth mental health can allow us to approach our research with deeper understanding for the CSA victims/survivors.
Thanks to Mental Health First Aid Ireland, our team is now better equipped with the practical tools and communication skills needed to support the young people in our communities and enrich our research with more compassionate understanding for them.
Written by Olivia Susilo | Research Assistant
Cover picture: I had a black dog, his name was depression by World Health Organization, played at the training