RESOURCES
Here you will find all materials we are going to develop in this project and you can download them for free.
CREATING AWARENESS
PODCAST
Our podcast “Ahead in Mental Health: Navigating mental health in vocational education” focuses on how teachers deal with the mental health challenges of their students. Especially in the day-to-day life of vocational schools, teachers are increasingly confronted with their students' stress, anxiety and other mental health issues – a task that is not always easy.
In each episode, we talk to experts in psychology, pedagogy and vocational training about strategies and approaches that teachers can use to respond to these challenges. Personal stories and practical insights await you.
Our podcast offers valuable tips for making everyday school life healthier and more balanced for teachers and students. After all, mental health is the key to a successful learning and working environment – for everyone involved.
The podcast is available on Spotify and YouTube – give it a listen and pick up some practical tips!
SPOTIFY: www.open.spotify.com/show/6weazfllq0PKC1HOCSzftj
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/@AHEADinMentalHealthNavigatingM
SELF-EVALUATION TOOL
The self-assessment tool developed enables users to determine their level of competence in dealing with mental health issues.
Users are presented with eight case studies based on real-life scenarios to determine which skills they already possess and which skills they can still improve.
CREATING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
CURRICULUM
​The Mental Health Ambassador Curriculum was developed based on the needs of teachers and trainers in vocational education and training.
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This curriculum provides a basic structure to support the development and implementation of learning materials, tools and training activities within the project. Its main purpose is to outline the key topics, competences and learning pathways needed to strengthen mental health awareness and capacity in vocational education and training institutions.
E-LEARNING COURSE
The online learning course is divided into 8 modules:
Module 1: What is mental health?
Module 2: Context and classification of mental health in vocational training and education
Module 3: Psychological development
Module 4: Psychosocial disabilities
Module 5: Other health or social problems
Module 6: Organisation in the field of mental health
Module 7: Understanding and dealing with mental health problems
Module 8: Resilience
TRAINING DESIGN FOR PRESENCE TRAINING
The face-to-face training on mental health in vocational education and training was developed based on the needs of teachers and trainers in vocational education and training. The needs analysis was carried out through an online survey, while the topics of interest were further specified through interviews with teachers from vocational education and training in the partner countries (AT, GR, HR, IT and BE). Based on scientific and international research findings, a curriculum for a learning programme was developed, consisting of flexible e-learning courses focusing on knowledge building and face-to-face training modules focusing on skills development. This programme is called MENTAL HEALTH AMBASSADORS.
CREATING IMPACT
POLICY PAPER
With this policy paper, the consortium of the AHEAD in VET project would like to present its point of view on mental health issues of learners in VET and provide recommendations to support teachers and trainers in dealing with mental health issues of learners.
Appendix - Detailed Results of the pan-European survey
In the appendix you will find the results of the pan-European survey in detailed form (in English only).
MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSE
The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) builds on the curriculum that has been developed. In addition to the online learning course, experts provide practical input on the topic of dealing with mental health in a vocational school context. Case studies from the field of vocational schools are discussed. There are also self-study tasks and exercises.
MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE
The “Mental Health in Education” conference, hosted by Innovela and Erasmushogeschool Brussel as part of the AHEADinVET project, was a great success. Held at the Erasmushogeschool Brussel – Campus Kanal, it brought together educators and professionals to address mental health challenges in vocational education and training.
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After opening remarks by Jimmy Koppen and Athina Katsanou, Stefanie Gugganig (bit schulungscenter GmbH) presented the AHEADinVET project as well as its key outcomes. The day continued with insightful talks on student wellbeing, resilience, and the role of educators in supporting mental health—featuring speakers such as Aleksandra Stevanović (University of Rijeka), Johan De Wilde (Odisee), Nele Van Hoyweghen (Flemish Student Association), and Stefan Grielens (Vrij CLB Network).
Highlights included sessions on crisis intervention by Robbe Vanmulder and a closing panel discussion with De Wilde, Grielens, and Van Hoyweghen. Attendees also engaged in valuable networking, sharing experiences and best practices for supporting student mental health.
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​Watch the conference again on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOHgHNALkAI
SCALING STRATEGY
This scaling strategy serves as a blueprint for expanding and deepening the project's overall impact, ensuring its benefits are both far-reaching and sustainable. It is carefully structured around three interrelated and complementary dimensions of scaling, each focused on a different aspect of systemic transformation:
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Scaling out
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Scaling up
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Scaling in deep
The scaling strategy is available in EN.
STRATEGY PAPER
A Strategy Paper for VET executives and principals has been prepared, focusing on organisational-level action. Supporting individuals is important, but lasting impact requires fostering a culture where mental health challenges are understood and addressed collectively. The document includes practical examples and concrete guidance on driving change from the top down, helping leaders shape an environment that prioritises wellbeing.