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Mental Health Ambassadors 16+

The Mental Health Ambassador Programme by Action Mental Health is a dynamic young leadership initiative designed for individuals aged 16-25 who are passionate about mental health, peer support and making a positive impact. This programme equips young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become mental health ambassadors in their schools, colleges, universities, and communities.

The programme is delivered using a diverse and engaging range of methods:

Group discussions, real-life scenarios and interactive workshops
Creative planning sessions, peer-led projects and success to mental health tool kits
Community mapping, vision-building and opportunities to collaborate with other youth groups

By the end of the programme, participants will be empowered as confident, informed, and compassionate Mental Health Ambassadors- ready to lead, support, communities, and beyond.

What the Programme Covers

Duration: 5 sessions (1-4 last 1.5hrs)

Ambassadors will:

Understand metal health and wellbeing, including how it impacts daily life, relationships and communities.
Learn how a positive peer be and promote inclusive, respectful relationships.
Develop skills in effective communication, empathy and active listening.
Explore the CBT model to understand how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact, and how to use this awareness to build resilience and support others.
Gain knowledge of safeguarding procedures, referral pathways, and boundaries when supporting peers.
Create action plans to lead mental health events and campaigns, and design inclusive, welcoming spaces to support other students in schools, colleges, universities, or local community settings.
Improve awareness of local and Northern Ireland-wide support services, including mental health organisations, youth groups, community networks, and sports or hobby-based groups.
Use community mapping tools to identify and connect with supports that help build a wider, sustainable support network for young people.
Earn an accredited SafeTALK qualification, helping them identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide.

Learning Outcomes

Duration: 1.5 hour sessions

Participants will build:

Confidence in mental health literacy, peer support, and emotional intelligence
Skills in empathy, leadership, communication, planning, and community engagement
The ability to plan and deliver purposeful mental health activities that encourage inclusion and support
Awareness of how to navigate complex social identities and strengthen community belonging

Intergroup Workshop & SafeTalk

Duration: Session 5 = Full day

Session 5 of the Mental Health Ambassadors programme involves one full-day with a morning intergroup workshop and a safeTALK accredited course in the afternoon.

Young people who complete the programme will receive:

A mental health Ambassador Badge
A certificate of completion for the full programme
SafeTALK accreditation