The Maine Youth Leaders program by the Healthy Community Coalition, an exciting opportunity for Franklin County students. This program focuses on community building, leadership development, and organizing a Youth Leadership Summit at your school. The program, held during school hours with monthly team-building outings, is free. Transportation is arranged by parents with available compensation, fostering a collaborative approach for out-of-school activities. This is a for students to grow as a leader, explore new perspectives, and make a positive impact.

Who can join?

Any youth betwen the ages of 12-18 in Franklin County

What can expect?

Leadership and volunteer opportunities, team building skills, chances to engage with the community and friendships across the county.

Who can I contact for more info?

Please contact Lillian Hunt contact us at (207)-779-2467, or lillian.hunt@mainehealth.org.

Youth Mental Health First Aid consists of 2-hours of self-paced content followed by 4.5 hours of instructor-led training.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a youth who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.

Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener, an educator and mental health consumer, and Professor Tony Jorm, a mental health researcher. In 2008, the National Council, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health brought Mental Health First Aid to the United States.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

-Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider.

-Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth.

-Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.

-Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to non-crisis situations.

-Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to crisis situations.

-Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Youth Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.