The project will implement a powerful training initiative to increase the general level of competence to understand and manage mental ill health. By training about ten instructors within the business sector and civil society in ”First aid for mental health” (MHFA), it is expected to train approximately 300 seasonal employees during the project period. At the same time, instructors and employees within the municipal organization are being trained through another project, which means that the overall competence increases significantly in the entire area. The increased competence will remain after the project ends, enabling continuous training for staff groups, e.g., before each season starts. An overarching goal of spreading the courses in Åre municipality is to increase the preparedness of a broad public to notice and assist in cases of mental suffering in everyday life. The dissemination of the course also aims to reduce prejudices and negative attitudes towards mental ill health and illness, thereby alleviating the experiences of exclusion and stigmatization for affected individuals.

LAG board's justification

LAG chooses to prioritize this urgent project, which concretely prevents health issues and promotes competence enhancement regarding this. The project is granted within the framework of the intervention area Living local communities for all and is expected to contribute to goals in sustainability, health, and networking.