RAFIO Youth Session: “Understanding and Managing Anxiety”

Event Report

Date: Friday, May 23, 2026

Location: RAFIO offices – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa

Theme: Understanding and managing anxiety

Overview of the Activity

On Friday, May 23, 2026, RAFIO organized a youth workshop focused on understanding and managing anxiety. The goal of the session was to help young participants better understand the causes and effects of anxiety while introducing practical tools to manage stress in daily life.

The workshop took place in a warm, engaging, and dynamic atmosphere. The youth showed strong openness, active participation, and sustained interest throughout the discussions and activities.

Activities Conducted

Several interactive activities were designed to encourage engagement and learning, including:

• Emotion game

• Interactive quiz

• Role-playing activities

• Anxiety thermometer exercise

• Introduction to an anti-stress toolkit

• Positive cards activity

These exercises allowed participants to express themselves freely, share personal experiences, and learn practical strategies for managing emotions and anxiety.

Participation and Feedback

The youth participated actively in both discussions and activities. Exchanges were highly enriching and inspiring.

The workshop received an average rating of 9.5/10, reflecting a very high level of participant satisfaction. Several positive comments were shared, including:

• “I learned so many useful things!”

One participant also suggested introducing a Kahoot quiz for future sessions to make the activities even more interactive.

Closing of the Activity

The session ended in a friendly atmosphere with a shared meal, music, and informal social time among the youth. This moment of connection helped strengthen relationships between participants and foster a stronger sense of belonging within the group.

Conclusion

This workshop helped young participants develop a better understanding of anxiety and gain practical tools to support their mental well-being. The strong engagement and positive feedback highlight the relevance and impact of this type of youth-focused initiative within the RAFIO community.