change long before a young person reaches a professional service. “It takes a village to raise a child” captures our shared responsibility. A young person may not turn to a parent. A teacher may notice a decline in schoolwork, a coach may see a loss of confidence, or boarding staff may observe withdrawal from friends; each may see something different. Together, we can recognise concerns earlier and connect a young person with support. First Aiders neither diagnose nor provide therapy. As in physical first aid, they recognise something may be wrong, offer calm initial support and help the young person reach appropriate help. WHAT THE COURSE GIVES A SCHOOL COMMUNITY The 14-hour ensa Mental Health First
estimates that one in seven 10–19-year- olds worldwide experiences a mental health condition. 1 Taking a closer look at Swiss data, an Obsan survey conducted in autumn 2022 found that 35.9% of young women and 15.3% of young men aged 15–24 reported severe psychological symptoms. 2 Many mental illnesses begin early. A large international meta-analysis found that over a third of mental illnesses begin before the age of 14, about half before 18 and nearly two-thirds before 25, with the peak age of onset occurring at around 14–15 years. 3 This matters because difficulties during these formative years can affect learning, relationships, physical health and later opportunities. It also creates a window for early support. A teacher, coach, boarding parent or family member may notice a
Aid course “Focus Youth” is designed for adults who care for or work with young people, including parents, teachers, school counsellors, boarding staff and youth leaders. 4 It covers common mental health problems and crises, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, panic attacks and traumatic events. The heart of the training is practising real conversations. Through films, discussion and small-group exercises, participants practise how to approach a young person, listen openly and without judgement, assess urgency, encourage appropriate help and continue to support them. We explore confidentiality, safeguarding, culture and the limits of the First Aider’s role. Research reviews
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