What challenge inspired this recipe?
The topic of mental health (and illness) is receiving more and more attention in society, but is unfortunately still subject to enormous stigmatization. The idea was therefore to raise awareness, inform and provide support within the framework of volunteer activities.
Ingredients :
I communicate the meetings in good time advance by e-mail. If necessary, the akzente volunteer sends a reminder to the volunteer WhatsApp group shortly beforehand. Otherwise it needs:
– The premises
– Food for breakfast
– Information material on mental health and illness
– Personnel resources in the Youth Info team
Step by step guide
The project is still very young and has therefore only taken place once. But the idea is to have it take place at regular intervals (probably monthly) in the future. As ESC coordinator, I meet with all hosting volunteers in Salzburg for a cozy breakfast (at the accented premises) and afterwards (smooth transition) there is input from our experts from youth information on the topic of mental health and illness. And afterwards, of course, there will be enough time and space to exchange ideas – but without pushing anyone.
Important to highlight!We asked the volunteers for feedback afterwards and to say whether they would like another appointment. The feedback was very positive and there is a desire for more meetings. One of the things that could be improved is that we could perhaps work together with external experts. Of course we bring knowledge in that area to the table and have the necessary soft skills, but at the end of the day we are not psychologists or psychiatrists. |
Before you start cooking, keep in mind…
Fortunately, there were no significant complications at the first meeting that took place. The breakfast and the workshop and exchange part afterwards were very well received. Of course, it is important to ensure that the volunteers’ concerns are dealt with sensitively and confidentially and to create a “safe space” for everyone.
