This flagship program mentors young people through leadership training, public speaking practice, and civic engagement activities. It connects youth with role models and equips them to become change-makers in their schools and communities.

Basic Psychosocial Support Training Kit

For Support Workers Assisting Vulnerable Youths in Sierra Leone.

 

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1. Purpose of This Training Kit:

This kit provides simple, practical guidance for community workers, volunteers, peer supporters, and outreach staff to support vulnerable youths emotionally, mentally, and socially.

It is designed for low-resource settings and does not require clinical training.

 

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2. Who This Kit Is For

• Youth workers

• Community volunteers

• Outreach and harm reduction workers

• Teachers and peer mentors

• Faith-based and community leaders

 

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3. Who Are Vulnerable Youths?

Vulnerable youths may include young people affected by:

• Poverty and unemployment

• Substance use (e.g., Kush, alcohol, drugs)

• Violence or abuse

• Family breakdown

• Loss, grief, or trauma

• Stigma and discrimination

 

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4. What Is Psychosocial Support? (Simple Definition)

Psychosocial support means helping young people feel safe, heard, supported, and hopeful—by caring for their mind, emotions, and relationships.

 

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5. Core Principles of Psychosocial Support

Support workers should always:

1. Listen without judgment

2. Respect dignity and confidentiality

3. Be calm, kind, and patient

4. Do no harm (never shame, threaten, or force)

5. Build trust, not fear

6. Work with the youth, not against them

 

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6. Key Skills for Support Workers

A. Active Listening

• Give full attention

• Do not interrupt

• Use simple responses: “I hear you”, “That sounds hard.”

B. Empathy

• Try to understand feelings

• Avoid blame or lectures

C. Basic Communication

• Use simple language

• Ask open questions: “How are things going for you?”

D. Emotional Support

• Help youths name their feelings

• Normalize stress reactions

 

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7. Practical Psychosocial Support Activities

Activity 1: One-on-One Support Talk

• Find a quiet, safe space

• Listen more than you speak

• End with encouragement or next steps

Activity 2: Group Support Circles

• Small groups (5–10 youths)

• Set ground rules: respect, confidentiality

• Encourage sharing, not forcing

Activity 3: Stress-Relief Techniques

• Deep breathing (slow inhale, slow exhale)

• Stretching or walking

• Music, drawing, storytelling

Activity 4: Strength Building

• Help youths identify strengths

• Celebrate small achievements

 

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8. Supporting Youths Affected by Substance Use

• Do not judge or shame

• Focus on safety and harm reduction

• Encourage healthier choices

• Refer to services when needed

 

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9. When to Refer (Very Important)

Support workers must refer youths when they show:

• Risk of self-harm or suicide

• Severe mental distress

• Violence or abuse

• Medical emergencies

Know local referral options:

• Health centers

• NGOs

• Trusted community leaders

 

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10. Self-Care for Support Workers

You cannot support others if you are exhausted.

• Take breaks

• Share challenges with supervisors

• Set boundaries

• Practice stress relief

 

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11. Simple Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Listen

• Be respectful

• Encourage hope

Don’t:

• Promise things you cannot deliver

• Share private stories

• Use threats or punishment

 

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12. Key Message for Support Workers

Your presence, listening, and care can change a young person’s life—even without money or medicine.

 

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13. Optional Training Session Outline (1 Day)

• Introduction & expectations

• Understanding youth challenges

• Psychosocial support basics

• Practical role-plays

• Referral pathways

• Self-care

• Closing reflection

 

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14. Closing Statement

Psychosocial support is about human connection, dignity, and hope. Every youth deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported.