The Igra Association, in collaboration with Algebra Bernays University and Maybelline New York, held a Brave Talk training on 31 October 2025, aimed at students with the goal of destigmatising mental health and empowering young people to support peers facing emotional difficulties. The training was led by Marijana Bokun, social worker and expert associate of the Igra Association, and psychologist Marija Santini, who, through theoretical input, discussions and practical exercises, presented how to recognise signs of distress in friends, how to initiate a conversation about mental health, and how to offer support from the perspective of a close person.
The workshop took place in an encouraging and interactive atmosphere, giving participants the opportunity to try out the Brave Talk steps in practice and gain insight into available resources and forms of support within the community. The importance of timely recognition of difficulties, open conversation and the role of peer support in safeguarding young people’s mental health was particularly emphasised.
The Brave Talk training is part of the Brave Together initiative, which the Igra Association has been implementing for five years in partnership with Maybelline New York, with the aim of destigmatising mental health difficulties and providing free online psychosocial support. To date, the programme has supported more than a thousand individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, confirming its significance for young people, especially those aged 15 to 24 – the period in which mental health challenges most commonly emerge.
To equip young people with the skills and tools they need, the Igra Association continues to offer free 90-minute Brave Talk trainings, developed in collaboration with The Jed Foundation and Maybelline New York, focusing on strengthening empathy, communication skills and readiness to support friends in challenging life situations.
