The YOUnite Training for Trainers (ToT) was designed to equip youth coaches with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively train others. The overall methodology focused on delivering typical training activities, real-life scenarios, and practical sessions to enhance participants’ training capabilities. The aim is to equip the Youth coaches participating in the project with necessary sets of tools and information to improve their pedagogical skills. The last one was achieved by conducting trial sessions on YOUnite Modules meaning putting into practice the previously acquired knowledge gained during the training sessions.

The ÖSB has implemented the ToT program on three specific dates: December 5, December 17, 2023, and February 21, 2024. ACR has completed their ToT program over two weekend days falling between December 9-10, 2023. EMINA conducted the ToT over a span of four consecutive days from December 27 to December 30, 2023. Lastly, Zdrowy Kształt completed their ToT program over three consecutive days from March 7 to March 9, 2024.

Multiple methods were used to reach the optimal training environment for the coaches to enable them to best validate the training programme of YOUnite.

Within the ToT sessions ÖSB team used the following methods:

• Workshop with lecturer on health/medical aspects on obesity,
• Hands-on experience training,
• Skills exchange in trial activity sessions,
• Skills enhancement discussions,
• Activity evaluation workshops,
• Real-life scenarios.

ACR used interactive lectures that encouraged participants to actively participate and share their thoughts, planning the first meeting with the youth on a poster by writing/drawing, mindful eating activity and individual work on paper and sharing afterwards talks and discussions.

EMINA used during its sessions:

• Ice-breaking activities,
• Group discussions,
• Interactive presentations,
• Visual aids and case studies,
• Situated practices for employment scenarios,
• Workshops on stress management and mindful eating.

The selected working methods used by  Zdrowy Kształt included:

• Lectures and presentations by experts in the field,
• Practical workshops dealt with building self-esteem, nutritional planning, stress-relief techniques and preparing for professional life (job interview, resume preparation, 20 key questions and answers, the image),
• Discussions and role-playing,
• Case studies and problem-based exercises,
• Applications for creative resume development.

A significant aspect of the ToT involved each participant or pair undertaking the responsibility of crafting a trial session. This session encompassed at least one activity from each module, culminating in a presentation of the completed session to the entire group.

Another crucial aspect of each ToT conducted in all partner countries was the collection of participants’ feedback. To achieve this, a comprehensive evaluation form was crafted, encompassing all modules, activities, overall participant satisfaction, acquired skills and knowledge, as well as specific inquiries regarding the trainer’s performance, administrative processes of the ToT, and logistical arrangements. Additionally, participants were encouraged to provide suggestions for enhancing the quality of training materials, ensuring continuous improvement.

Participants noted various ways in which the ToT enhanced their ability to effectively communicate with obese youth and support their well-being. These included gaining background information, increasing confidence in meeting the target group, learning about themes and topics relevant to obese youth, and understanding the importance of positive language in communication.

The responses reveal interesting dynamics in participants perceptions and experiences with different training modules. Before the course, confidence varied, with some feeling assured in specific modules like nutrition and stress, while others were more uncertain. However, after the training, there was a significant shift in knowledge acquisition, particularly in areas such as awareness and employment guidance. Notably, all the modules were consistently valued and enjoyed by participants. The employment guidance module stood out as the most surprising for some, indicating its impact. 

The ToT was credited with increasing understanding, knowledge, and empathy, leading to a more conscious approach to supporting and guiding obese youth. Additionally, participants highlighted the importance of addressing societal acceptance and improving attitudes towards obese youth.

In general, the ToT was seen as instrumental in broadening understanding and emphasising the need for comprehensive efforts to address the challenges faced by obese youth. ToT participants are well prepared to support obese youth in a comprehensive, empathetic and effective manner. They are ready to implement what they have learned in their professional environments.