Mental Health and Better Sleep Training for Youth Practitioners

Who's invited?

• This programme is open to all third sector staff and volunteers supporting young people.

Why attend?

Professionals working with young people across Oxfordshire are navigating increasingly complex challenges—from rising mental health referrals and school disengagement to trauma and risk of homelessness. At the same time, the emotional impact on staff in these roles is significant and often overlooked. This practical, evidence-based workshop is designed specifically for those supporting young people—whether in education, youth services, social care, or community settings. It offers a dual focus: how to better support the mental health and resilience of young people, and how to protect and strengthen your own wellbeing in the process. Facilitated by two former police officers with lived experience of frontline pressure and safeguarding, the session combines best practice with real-world insight.

What you’ll learn:

• A clear understanding of mental health and trauma—including stress, anxiety, depression, and barriers to seeking help.
• How to recognise the signs of suicidal thoughts and respond with confidence, care, and legal awareness.
• The role of sleep in mental health, including strategies to improve sleep for both young people and staff.
• Practical tools to support your own mental health, manage stress, and reduce the risk of burnout.

By attending, you will:

• Build emotional resilience for yourself and the young people you work with.
• Develop skills for initiating supportive, stigma-free conversations around mental health and suicide.
• Access practical strategies and signposting resources for ongoing support.
• Leave feeling more confident, informed, and supported in your role.

Please be aware that some of the information presented during the training may involve sensitive content. If you have any concerns or are unsure about the material, please feel free to speak with our coordinator for more details.

Your wellbeing is our priority, and we are here to support you throughout the training.

Parking is free and available and refreshments will be provided.

Please reach out to Nataliia Turban at nataliia.turban@oxfordshireyouth.org with any further questions you may have.

Any other questions?