The PREVENT project brought together professionals and project partners in Volos, Greece, for a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme focused on strengthening mental health awareness, suicide prevention and effective support for people in contact with justice systems.
Held from 30 June to 2 July, the Training of Trainers was designed to equip participants not only with knowledge and practical skills, but also with the capacity to transfer this knowledge to professionals in their own national and institutional contexts.
During the first day, participants explored mental health in justice systems, including common mental health concerns, stigma and barriers to seeking support, trauma-informed approaches, suicide prevention principles and screening approaches. Particular attention was given to recognising vulnerability and understanding how justice professionals can respond appropriately while remaining within their professional roles.
The second day shifted the focus from learning to teaching. Participants examined adult-learning principles, strategies for working with different professional groups, approaches for managing resistance and emotionally challenging situations, and methods for creating engaging and competency-based learning.
On the third day, participants moved further into application. Through role-play, practice teaching and peer and trainer feedback, they worked on communicating key PREVENT concepts covering mental health, suicide risk, screening and crisis communication. The programme concluded with national action planning, enabling country teams to consider target groups, integration into national systems, monitoring and evaluation, and the sustainability of future training activities.
From evidence to practical training
The ToT is closely connected to the PREVENT D3.2 Training of Trainers Toolkit, which translates project evidence into practical training for professionals working across probation, parole, community supervision, rehabilitation and correctional services.
Structured around six modules, the Toolkit covers mental health literacy, suicide and self-harm prevention, screening, crisis communication and de-escalation, referral and cross-sector collaboration, and staff wellbeing. Through practical cases, exercises and training resources, it supports professionals in recognising and responding to mental health and suicide-related concerns while strengthening cooperation across justice, health and social services.
Building capacity that can be transferred nationally
The Training of Trainers approach is intended to extend the impact of PREVENT beyond a single training event. By preparing participants to become trainers themselves, the project supports the transfer and adaptation of knowledge within participating countries and institutions.