Since November, 2021, preventive trainings are held for youth according to eight algorithms for solving youth health problems at Sakiai, Vilkaviskis and Marijampole schools.
Algorithm:
1. prevention of alcohol consumption
2. prevention of the use of psychoactive substances
On November 11, 2021, lecturer Tatjana SCiurina conducted remote prevention training on alcohol consumption at Vilkaviskis S. Neries Basic School, and on November 17, 2021, she conducted preventive training on the use of psychoactive substances at Pajevonis Basic Education Department of Virbalis Basic School of Vilkaviskis District . 45 participants from Vilkaviškis district took part in the training.
On November 26, 2021, at Kudirkos Naumiestis Vinco Kudirkos Gymnasium of Sakiai District, Ploksciai School of Sakiai-Multifunctional Center, and on December 17, 2021, at Lekeciai School of Sakiai-Multifunctional Center remote preventive training on alcohol consumption was held. 52 participants from Sakiai district took part in the training.
Training was also intensively held in Marijampolė municipality. On November 12, 2021, at Suduva Gymnasium of Marijampole and on November 24, 2021, at Rygiskes Jono Gymnasium of Marijampole preventive training on alcohol consumption was held. On November 22, 2021, at Suduva Gymnasium of Marijampole and on December 8, 2021, at Marijampole Creation Center preventive training on use of psychoactive substances was held. 76 participants from Marijampole took part in the training.
During the training, young people were told about the harm caused by the use of alcohol and psychoactive substances, why alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances are the enemies of human, how addiction develops, the consequences of the use of alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances, how many people are affected by someone using alcoholic beverages or psychoactive substances, who benefits from increased number of addicted people, why advertisements that encourage young people to use alcohol or psychoactive substances are created, how to avoid or get rid of addictions.
Lecturer Tatjana Ščiurina is the founder and president of the association “Laisvas zmogus”, professor of the International Sobriety Academy, psychologist-methodologist, social worker of the Carito Maisiagala deanery of the Vilnius Archdiocese – volunteer, working in the field of prevention of children’s bad habits.
Algorithm:
3. Prevention of suicides and self-harm
On December 2, 2021, at Suduva Gymnasium of Marijampole and on December 16, 2021, ar Liubavas Juozo Montvilos Basic School remote training on suicide and self-harm was held for students, 36 students took part. The training was conducted by psychologist Neringa Bernatoniene. The training covered suicide statistics, risks and protective factors. Myths, personal beliefs and attitudes about suicide were analyzed, fears, anxiety and other possible obstacles to effective help for oneself and others were discussed. The psychologist provided information about the identification and assessment of suicide risk: risk signs and risk levels, first aid for a person who intends to commit suicide. The causes of self-harm and help options for children and adolescents were discussed.
UNESCO “Innocenti Report Card” study showed that the mental health of Lithuanian children ranks one of the lowest place among their peers (36th place out of 38 countries in the world).
The students gained new knowledge about mental health after taking part ir the training. Learned how to recognize mental health disorders and how to help yourself and others.
