At stem4, we are excited to announce our latest strides in advancing evidence-based mental health support for young people and those who care for them.
In 2023, thanks to a grant from Ofcom, we launched a groundbreaking training programme aimed at professionals eager to better understand the digital world and its influence on young people’s mental health. Inspired by the growing need for mental health support in the digital age, requests from young people, and the enthusiasm from professionals in the field, we have decided to extend our mission even further.
Launch of Our Online Training Portal
We are delighted to introduce our new online training portal, a user-friendly platform offering practical and evidence-based training for parents, carers, and professionals. At stem4, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health—one that equips the adults in young people’s lives with the necessary tools to support mental well-being. Our training aims to enhance this support by providing accessible resources and expert-led training for those who care for young people.
New Training for Parents and Carers
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, we are proud to release our first training course exclusively designed for parents and carers—the “5 Ps Digital Family Pledge“. Featuring insights from experts Dr Nihara Krause MBE (Consultant Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Richard Graham (Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist), together with the voice of young people, this course provides essential guidance on how to support young people in navigating their digital lives. The training includes a customisable tool, allowing families to create a personalised and safe digital plan together.
For more information on this new course, click here.
Training for Professionals
Our online training portal also offers professionals access to essential courses, such as the Online Safety First Aid Training and CPD-Accredited Media Literacy and Mental Health Training. These courses are designed to help professionals better understand and address the complex relationship between media consumption and young people’s mental health.
An impressive 91% of professionals who have completed the courses highly recommend them to others working with young people. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“Young people have responded positively to my starting a discussion on their digital engagement and safety. They seemed so relieved to be able to explore this complex area.” – Therapist, Healthcare
“I think I am more alert to comments like, ‘I saw this online,’ especially when it’s linked to something like an ADHD diagnosis. Now I feel more confident in exploring whether the information is accurate and then signposting to NHS resources.” – Student Welfare Officer
How Can You Benefit from These Trainings?
Expert-Led:
- Our training courses are led by experts in the field of mental health and digital literacy, ensuring you receive up-to-date information and practical strategies. Our courses have trained industry-leading media literacy experts in the UK and internationally.
Flexible Learning:
- Designed to fit into your busy schedule, our online format allows you to learn at your own pace and convenience, with access to resources and support when you need it.
Make a Real Difference:
- Armed with the knowledge and skills from our training, you’ll be better positioned to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people you work with, helping to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.
Certification of Completion:
- Enhance your professional development and credibility with a certification from stem4, showcasing your commitment to supporting the mental health of young people in a digital age.
Explore the training and learn more by visiting training.stem4.org.uk.
All proceeds from the training directly support stem4’s mission of promoting positive mental health among young people. By participating, you not only benefit from expert guidance, but you also contribute to our ongoing work in early intervention in young people’s mental health.