For many LGBTQI+ students, sharing their identity at school is an act of courage that may come with emotional risk.

In these moments, how we respond can make a lasting difference. This article, grounded in the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) approach, explores how listening without judgement can become a powerful act of inclusion. Through practical strategies, real-life examples and research-informed guidance, educators are invited to see listening not just as a skill, but as a form of care that protects, affirms and empowers.

Here’s why Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is essential for school leaders, especially in international schools across Europe. Learn how it supports well-being, leadership, and whole-school culture.

When a quiet new student started slipping through the cracks, it wasn’t a big intervention that made the difference - it was one small conversation.

In international schools, where transitions are constant and emotional struggles often go unnoticed, learning to recognise and respond to the early signs of distress can change everything.