Youth Mental Health Session Led by Youth Leaders Elina &Jacobs (LinkCC Youth Society) Theme: “Together We Rise: Youth Voices, Youth Strength”
Flow of the Evening (Approx. 90 min) 1) Welcome & Icebreaker (10 min) Jacobs & Elina greet everyone, explain the theme. Quick icebreaker: “One word check-in” (everyone says one word for how they feel). Ground rules: Safe space, respect, pass/participate, confidentiality.
2) Story Sparks (15 min) Jacobs shares a short story of a challenge he faced and how he managed stress. Elina shares about leadership, balancing school, and mental well-being. Group reflection: “What helps you most when life feels overwhelming?”
3) Interactive Activity: “Myth or Fact?” (15 min) Jacobs reads youth mental health statements (e.g., “Stress is always bad for you”). Elina asks participants to move to sides of the room (Myth vs Fact). Quick debrief: bust myths and highlight truths.
4) Skills Practice (20 min) Elina leads: Box Breathing (4-4-4-4). Everyone practices together. Jacobs leads: 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise (notice 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste). Volunteers share what felt calming.
5) Small Group Breakouts (15 min) Split into 2–3 small groups. Prompts: “What’s one stress you’re carrying right now?” “What’s one healthy way you cope with it?” Youth leaders circulate to support conversations.
6) Creative Expression (10 min) Provide sticky notes or index cards. Prompt: “Write one positive message you’d tell a friend who’s struggling.” Collect and post on a “Wall of Encouragement.”
7) Action Step & Closing (10 min) Each participant writes down one small step they will take for their mental health this week. Jacobs & Elina close with: “Together, we rise.” Reminder of resources (Kids Help Phone, 9-8-8 line, local supports). Optional group photo for memory.
Materials Needed Sticky notes / index cards Markers / pens Flip chart or blank wall space Small handouts with breathing & grounding techniques + crisis resources
