From Silence to Support: Helping Young People Champion Mental Health

A simple conversation can change how someone feels. But first, we need to know how to listen, understand, and support one another.

Mental health affects how we think, feel, and relate to others. Yet, many young people still face stigma, myths, and misunderstandings when it comes to mental health. Sometimes, people want to help but do not know what to say or how to respond.

This is why mental health education matters. It helps young people understand mental health, challenge harmful beliefs, and learn how to support others with kindness and empathy. It also helps them recognise when someone may need professional support and where to find help.

Through our youth mental health awareness training, we brought together young people from refugee and host communities to learn, share experiences, and have open conversations about mental health. The training created a space where they could ask questions, challenge misconceptions, and learn from one another.

But the goal goes beyond the training itself. We want young people to take what they learn into their homes, friendships, schools, and communities. By speaking openly about mental health and treating others with understanding, they can help break down stigma and create spaces where everyone feels safe to speak up and seek support.

Because building a mentally healthier community starts with understanding one another.