The Local Practice Workshops “Are you mentally ready for summer?” were held on 23 June in Bar and 24 June in Nikšić, with the aim of promoting mental health awareness and strengthening young people’s knowledge and skills related to psychological well-being. The workshops were based on non-formal education methods and included interactive exercises, group discussions, reflection activities and practical examples. Participants explored topics such as mental health, stigma, stress management, communication, empathy and the basic principles of Psychological First Aid. The sessions created a safe and inclusive environment where participants were encouraged to exchange experiences, reflect on their own well-being and develop practical skills for supporting themselves and others in everyday situations.
Results: Both workshops were successfully implemented, each bringing together a group of 15 or more participants. Participants actively engaged in discussions, practical exercises and group work, demonstrating a high level of motivation and openness throughout the sessions. The workshops contributed to increasing participants’ awareness of mental health, reducing stigma, strengthening communication and empathy skills, and improving their understanding of the principles of Psychological First Aid. The facilitators also had the opportunity to apply the knowledge and competencies gained during the Training of Trainers while adapting the activities to the needs of the participants in their local communities.
Testimonials from participants:
Participants reported that the workshops were informative, interactive and relevant to their everyday lives. They appreciated the supportive atmosphere, practical exercises and the opportunity to openly discuss mental health. Many participants expressed that they had gained useful knowledge and practical tools for recognising emotional distress, managing stress and providing initial support to others. Several participants also expressed interest in attending similar workshops in the future.
