Mental-Emotional Wellness

Mental-Emotional Wellness has been top of mind for many program staff; use these resources to help get you started. If you need additional support or have questions - fill out our Request Technical Assistance form in Quick Links. Check out our Mental-Emotional Wellness playlist on YouTube and the related podcasts on BuzzSprout.

For deeper learning on this subject, consider enrolling in one of our courses: Guiding Children's Behavior in Out-of-School Time Programs; Positive Youth Development for the Youth Work Professional; or Trauma Informed Care Approach to OST Programs. Course availability can be found on our landing page.

New Mental-Emotional Wellness Guide Book (ebook)

Mental Health ebook cover

Supporting youth mental health has become a major focus for youth-serving programs in recent years. Research shows that youth who engage in structured activities outside of the school day can experience reduced anxiety and depression, along with a stronger sense of belonging. To create these positive and supportive environments, program staff need to be equipped with essential knowledge, tools, and resources.

No matter the setting—schools, community centers, after-school programs, clubs, or libraries—the goal remains the same. We aim to create a safe, supportive environment that fosters mental wellbeing through intentional activities, positive relationships, and a nurturing atmosphere. But how do we achieve this? And how do we ensure our staff are ready for this important mission?

This series will explore the various elements that frontline staff need in their “toolkit” to support youth mental health. Each topic will be presented in multiple formats to suit different training schedules, learning preferences, and timelines—including webinars, podcasts, short videos, and additional resources. Access the ebook here.

Behavioral Health Learning Series Webinar - Having Hard Conversations - resources (January 2024)

Hard Conversations