Singapore launches youth psychological first aid training programme

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs has unveiled a new initiative to equip youths with skills in delivering psychological first aid during crisis situations. The programme aims to build a cadre of trained volunteers capable of offering immediate emotional and psychological support to individuals affected by emergencies.

The inaugural intake will comprise 30 young participants, selected from close to 100 expressions of interest received for the scheme. The substantial level of interest underscores growing awareness among the youth population of the importance of mental health support in disaster and emergency response efforts.

Psychological first aid represents a practical, evidence-based approach to providing immediate emotional assistance in the aftermath of traumatic events. Trained volunteers can help stabilise affected individuals, connect them with professional resources, and mitigate potential long-term psychological impacts of emergencies.

The initiative reflects Singapore's broader efforts to strengthen community resilience and enhance disaster preparedness frameworks. By engaging young volunteers in mental health support roles, the scheme seeks to build capacity within local communities while fostering a generation of emergency responders attuned to the psychological dimensions of crisis management.

Details regarding training content, duration, and deployment protocols are expected to be announced as the programme progresses.