Youths to be trained to provide psychological first aid during emergencies under new MHA initiative

“In a crisis, young people, like everyone else, can experience psychological distress,” said Ms Sim. “When facing adversity, some may turn to friends and peers first for support and comfort.”

She highlighted that these youth volunteers are “well-placed” to support their peers experiencing psychological distress by sharing accurate information, providing peer support and helping to build resilience in their own communities. 

“We cannot predict every crisis, but we can prepare before one strikes,” she added.

Participants in the programme include third-year polytechnic students, university undergraduates and postgraduate students pursuing psychology, social work or related mental health disciplines.

The programme falls under the youth arm of the HEART Professionals Network, which was launched in July 2025 to foster collaboration between Home Team psychologists and professional associations in mental health and crisis management.

Dr Diong Siew Maan, director of psychological research at MHA’s Home Team Psychology Division, said these young volunteers would be better able to connect with their peers through their familiarity with youth lingo and social media. 

Through role-playing exercises, lectures, discussions and case studies shared by experts, participants will learn skills such as showing empathy, listening to and supporting their peers, she added.

“We hope that we can expand (the youth wing) beyond psychology, mental health and social work students.”