The IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support and Danish Red Cross Youth have the pleasure of announcing a blended learning training in Psychological First Aid for Young Peers.
Training: 13, 14 and 15 June 2022 in Copenhagen from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
A three-day intensive training of trainers in psychological first aid for young peers in Psychological First Aid for young peers. The training builds on the new IFRC PS Centre training manual PFA for Young Peers aiming at strengthening the skills of young people to support each other in times of crisis. Having the companionship of peers is important in young peoples lives, and being a compassionate helping peer is vital for a young person in distress.
Many young people ask themselves: How can I support a peer or a friend and what should I do and say? Psychological first aid can help them know how to support their peers. In the training young peers learn to be a compassionate helper, to strengthens their skills in being a good listener, and in offering practical help without encouraging dependency. It empowers youth to have the needed skills and knowledge to support their peers. It also raises awareness about helpers needing to care for themselves.
Psychological first aid (PFA) is a first entry point to assist people in acute distress. It is a simple, yet powerful way of supporting someone, to feel calm, safe, and supported, and to link to more specialised support if needed. Learning PFA skills and understanding reactions to crises empowers the helper not only to help others, but also to apply the same skills to their own crises. Everyone can learn PFA skills, including staff and volunteers who are responding to humanitarian needs as well as at-risk communities themselves.
Psychological first aid is a structured way of supporting someone who needs help. It involves caring about a person in difficulty, paying attention to their reactions and how they feel, listening to them, and if needed, providing practical help. Psychological first aid is also about accompaniment; it helps make a young person in difficulty feel that there is someone who can support them.
The training methodology is based on blended learning where participants study before the training. The training is problem-based with practical exercises, group work, role plays, and case studies. Participants must be fluent in English to be able to engage actively in the course.
The course prepares participants to:
Subjects covered in the training are:
Certificates will be issued if a participant has been present 80% of the time, demonstrated understanding of the topics, been active throughout the training, and has taken on the different other assignments as instructed.
Dates, deadlines, and other important information
The training is free of charge, and participants must cover their own costs apart from tea, coffee, and snacks provided during breaks and lunch served daily.
Face-to-face training on 13, 14 and 15 Jne from 9 to 4:30 and 24 CEST at Danish Red Cross Headquarters, Blegdamsvej 27, 2100 Ø, Copenhagen.
Applications are submitted to the online system here.
Applications close midnight CEST on 27 May and applicants will be notified shortly after. Please get in touch with the PS Centre well ahead of time, should you need a visa to visit Denmark.
Required pre-training study materials:
Suggested pre-training study materials:
