Youth & Young Adult Peer-2-Peer Support Training

Grounded in the philosophy of peer support services and developmental theories, peers are in an ideal position to make a difference. This training targets unique and practical ways to engage and share empathic mental health support, reduce isolation, ease developmental angsts, help clarify confusions, build practical skills and pursue life roles that meet youth’s needs in the ways that matter. Individuals, in the metamorphic identity shift from youth to adult with mental health-social emotional disorders – Raising voices, choices, and supports for a personal youth-quake! Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives: Upon conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the peer -to-peer code of ethical conduct and boundaries to support positive youth development

• Define youth/young-adult growth in the context of Aces and Assets [what impacts healthy adult development and sources of strength and wellbeing

• Review guidelines, differences and strategies to offer safe and sensitive supports during crisis and emergency situations
• Examine the many facets of wellness, self-care states and strategies
• Introduce a template to welcome, engage and effectively support active participate in the recovery, resilience processes and strong adult passages  
• Develop and present an innovative 7-minute YaYA Welcoming Plan

Number of People: 25

Trauma for Youth & Young Adults

Understanding Trauma: A Safe Space for Youth and Young Adults

Has anyone ever talked to you about trauma? Whether we realize it or not, trauma can affect everyone in some form or another. Often, adults do not discuss trauma with youth, or understand its lasting impact over the course of a lifetime and how to support young adults and children. This training is designed to directly address trauma with youth and young adults and provide a safe and supportive environment to promote open dialogue and discussion. We use plain language to make this complex topic easier to understand, helping to facilitate as much learning as possible. Certificate of attendance is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• What is trauma?
• How can unresolved trauma impact you now?
• How can unresolved trauma impact you as an adult?
• What can a person do to resolve their trauma?
• How can you help a friend who may be struggling?

Time: 2.0 hours

Number of people: 25

"Our Turn to Talk" Community Conversation

Teenagers are putting an end to mental health stigma. To do it, they’re telling their own stories – unfiltered – in the documentary film and teen-hosted podcast series OUR TURN TO TALK. From skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression to the impacts of racism, social media, and the pandemic, their struggles and triumphs carry a powerful message: Storytelling saves lives. In this interactive video screening, participants will critically engage with the stories and themes brought to light in this documentary through hands-on activities and group discussion.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how teens across the country are sharing their stories and speaking out about the youth mental health crisis
• Define mental health stigma and develop an understanding of its impact
• Gain knowledge of resources available to support mental wellness

Time: 1.5 hours

Number of People: 25

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)

This is a suicide prevention training where the participant learns to recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone to help appropriately. Youth MOVE PA provides this training to professionals and youth as an emergency mental health intervention for suicide. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the warning signs of suicide
• Know how to offer hope
• Know how to get help and save a life

Time: 2.5 hours

Number of People: 25

Trauma Talk Workshop

This workshop talks to attendees about what trauma is, how it can affect us throughout our lives, and what we can do about it. This will help participants feel more comfortable talking about their trauma. There is a skill-building portion which is to help attendees feel more confident in using the skills they are taught along with identifying what they already use to help organize their “trauma closet”. Along with the workshop, attendees will receive a participant packet and a bracelet included in the cost. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about trauma, triggers, trauma responses, superpowers (coping skills), resilience, and post traumatic growth.
• A personal trauma story will be presented to help attendees learn about many different types of trauma.
• Attendees will learn about their triggers and how to manage them.
• The importance of being understanding when someone around you may be triggered.
• Help attendees to understand what the Flight, Fight, and Freeze responses are, why they happen, and how to handle them.
• This presentation is a different concept than most trauma trainings and we believe this new language focusing around the “trauma closet” will help attendees retain more knowledge on all of the above learning objectives. The concept of the “trauma closet” is a new way of visualizing what we do with our traumatic experiences and how to gain the tools needed to turn your “messy trauma closet” into an “organized trauma closet”.

Time: 2.5 hours (virtual) or 3 hours (in person)

Number of people:  25

Transitioning Into the Adult System | Transitioning & Aging Out

Effective Planning for Transitional Age Youth.
Planning for transitional age youth should begin long before they reach this stage, and it's important to involve multiple parties and agencies in the process. This can be challenging, but effective communication and collaboration between agencies are essential. Our training program focuses on educating youth about the potential obstacles they may encounter during their transition into the adult system, providing strategies to overcome those obstacles, and encouraging pre-planning to prepare for this complex transition. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify barriers and challenges youth may experience when transitioning into the adult system
• Discuss interrelated domains including education, employment, housing, budgeting, and family formation
• How to plan ahead for this transition to adulthood

Time: 2.0 hours

Transitioning into the Adult System will be held on November 12th, 2025 from 4:30 pm to 6 pm at the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

"Life Through My Lens" Workshop

The "Life Through My Lens" Workshop was created to help people see that stigma reduction starts within. If we keep focusing on how others treat us and ignore the negative ways we talk to ourselves, stigma will always win. This workshop is focused on turning the dial toward helping ourselves by not taking that type of treatment from our own internal voice! To change how others see us, we must first change the lens through which we see ourselves. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• What is stigma?
• What is self-stigma?
• How can we change the conversation around self-stigma?
• Learn about the "Life Through My Lens Campaign"

Time: 2 hours

Number of People: 25

"Stand Against Stigma" Workshop

Exploring the "Stand Against Stigma" Workshop.
The "Stand Against Stigma" Workshop aims to empower youth and young adults in the fight against stigma. But what exactly is stigma? Learn how to overcome the stigmas that we encounter and discover ways to educate others on how to be more inclusive through their actions and words. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn what “stigma” means
• How can stigma be damaging to ourselves?
• What can be done to fight the stigmas that exist?
• What role do I play in that fight?

Time: 1.5 hours

Number of People: 25

• Stand Against Stigma will be held September 17, 2025 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

Youth MOVE PA's Social Media Training: Promoting Positive Mental Health
Youth, young adults, and professionals can benefit from our Social Media training to become more aware of how social media can impact mental health. Our course teaches participants how to practice social media wellness, offers tips to manage excessive social media use, and identifies resources that can help reduce mental health conditions/risk factors. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn statistics related to the impact of excessive social media use
• Discuss mental health conditions/risk factors tied to social media use
• Explore tips & resources for teens and children related to excessive social media use
• Learn how to make a positive impact on social media

Time: 2.0 hours
Number of People: 75

Youth MOVE PA's youth engagement training offers a chance for participants to explore effective methods for attaining and retaining youth participants, enhance relationship-building skills with young individuals, and grasp the concept of empowering youth through the ladder of youth engagement framework. Attendees will also discover ways to establish leadership roles within their organizations and acknowledge the importance of youth engagement for both young individuals and communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore best practices for youth recruitment and retention
• Practice effective relationship building with youth and young adults
• Learn how to empower youth by utilizing the Ladder of youth engagement framework
• Identify strategies to develop leadership opportunities in your organization
• Discover the value of youth engagement for youth and communities

Time: 2.0 hours

Number of People: 25

Effective Communication: A Comprehensive Guide to Being Heard

Bolster Your Communication Skills with This Training for Young Adults.

If you're looking to become a better communicator, this training is specifically tailored for young people. Effective communication helps us avoid misunderstandings, forge connections, and reach personal and professional objectives. This interactive training lets you interact with other young people and practice honing your communication and active listening abilities. Additionally, the workshop covers proper etiquette, its significance, and how young adults can follow it.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the different types of communication
• Learn tips to communicate effectively
• Outline etiquette in different social settings
• Practice communicating with peers

Time: 2.0 hours

Number of People: 25

"Start With Art" Workshop

The Start with Art Training for Certified Peer-Based Professionals is a specialized program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate art activities into peer support services. This training is particularly beneficial for those with lived experience in mental health or substance use challenges, aiming to enhance their ability to support others through creative methods.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the Benefits of Art Activities: Understand and articulate the various advantages of engaging in art activities.
• Assess Different Art Mediums: Analyze and determine the appropriate use of various art mediums.
• Discover the Benefits of Art Activities: Incorporate Art into Your WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
• Design an Art Activity: Develop and plan your own unique art activities

Time: 1.5 hours

Number of People: 25 for ages 16-29

• Start with Art will be held on October 15, 2025 from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm at the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

A Leadership Legends’ Guide: Unleash Your Inner Hero.

This dynamic and empowering training is designed to cultivate the next generation of thoughtful, ethical, and resilient leaders. Through a series of interactive workshops, reflective exercises, and collaborative activities, participants will explore the core principles of leadership and discover their unique potential to make a meaningful impact.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduce Leadership Concepts - Help participants understand the fundamental principles of leadership and their personal potential as leaders.
• Encourage Self-Discovery – Guide participants in exploring their personal experiences and how they shape their leadership journey.
• Develop Communication Skills – Teach effective communication styles, including assertiveness, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Enhance Teamwork & Collaboration – Foster a sense of teamwork and inclusivity through interactive activities and group discussions.
• Promote Ethical Leadership – Educate participants on decision-making, integrity, and ethical responsibilities in leadership roles.
• Build Resilience & Adaptability – Strengthen participants' ability to overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Empower Youth Advocacy – Provide tools for social activism, community engagement, and digital literacy to inspire positive change.
• Encourage Visionary Thinking – Guide participants in crafting a leadership vision and developing action plans for community impact.
• Strengthen Peer Support Networks – Highlight the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating a supportive leadership community.
• Inspire Long-Term Engagement – Encourage participants to continue growing as leaders and actively contribute to their communities.

Time: 1.5 hours

Sessions: 3

Number of People: 25

• A Leadership Legends' Guide will be held on December 2nd, 9th and 16th, 2025 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!