Mental Health and Well-being Resources – Using AI to Support Migrant Learners
A trauma-informed workshop for educators on using AI tools to help adult migrant learners access mental health information, self-care resources, and well-being support in their host country.
DigCompEdu Competence Area(s)
Digital resources, Teaching & learning, Empowering learners
Time
Preparation time 30 minutes
Implementation time 60 minutes
Educator Progression Level
Explorer
Target groups
Adult migrants and educators Any language level – A2 to B2
Minimum student digital skill level
Basic
Minimum student language level
A2
🎓 Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Use AI tools to find and simplify mental health information in the host country language.
- Access multilingual mental health resources using AI translation tools.
- Explore AI-powered wellness apps for self-care and stress management.
- Identify the boundaries of AI support and know when to refer to human professionals.
Ingredients
| Item / Resource | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| AI Chatbot (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude) | 1 per participant | For simplifying complex mental health information |
| AI Translation Tool (e.g. DeepL, Google Translate) | 1 per participant | For understanding multilingual resources |
| AI Wellness App (e.g. Calm, Headspace, or free alternative) | 1 per participant | For exploring self-care techniques |
| Local mental health resource list | 1 per participant | Reference for verified local support services |
| Device with internet access | 1 per participant | To access AI tools and wellness apps |
Utensils
- Smartphones, tablets, or computers with internet access
- Headphones (recommended for wellness app activities)
- Printed or digital list of local mental health support services
- Safe, calm classroom environment for sensitive discussions
🥣 Preparation – Before Implementation
- Research and compile a list of local mental health support services, including multilingual options.
- Test AI tools with mental health-related prompts to understand the quality and limitations of responses.
- Prepare a clear statement on the limitations of AI for mental health support (AI is not a therapist).
- Create a safe space agreement with the group before beginning sensitive discussions.
- Identify a local mental health professional who could be invited as a guest speaker.
🔥 Implementation Steps
- Opening (10 min): Establish a safe space. Acknowledge that mental health is a sensitive topic. Remind participants that they can step out at any time.
- AI for Information (20 min): Demonstrate using ChatGPT to simplify a mental health information leaflet. Example prompt: “Explain what anxiety is in simple language for someone at A2 English level.” Show how to use DeepL to translate the result into participants’ home languages.
- Wellness App Exploration (15 min): Introduce one free wellness app (e.g. Calm free tier, Smiling Mind). Participants explore a short guided breathing or mindfulness exercise.
- Boundaries of AI (10 min): Discuss: When is AI helpful for mental health? When is it not enough? Introduce the concept of “AI as a first step, not a solution.”
- Local Resources (10 min): Share the local mental health resource list. Practise using AI to find additional local services: “What mental health support is available for migrants in [city]?”
- Closing (5 min): Each participant identifies one self-care strategy they will try this week.
🧂 Differentiation & Inclusion
- For trauma-affected learners: Keep activities optional and non-intrusive; never require sharing personal experiences.
- For learners with low digital literacy: Focus on the translation tool only; keep the activity simple and low-pressure.
- For multilingual groups: Ensure all key resources are available in participants’ home languages.
- Always have a referral pathway ready for learners who disclose distress during the session.
🍴 Assessment & Feedback
| Criterion | Excellent | Good | Needs Work |
| Tool use for information access | Independently uses AI to find and simplify mental health information | Uses tools with some guidance | Requires significant support to access information |
| Understanding of AI limitations | Clearly articulates when AI is and is not appropriate for mental health support | Shows some understanding with prompting | Limited awareness of AI limitations in this context |
| Self-care strategy identification | Identifies a specific, personal, and realistic self-care strategy | Identifies a general strategy | Unable to identify a personal self-care strategy |
⚠️ Ethics, Privacy & Safeguarding
- Never use AI as a substitute for professional mental health support.
- Do not require learners to share personal mental health information in group settings.
- Be aware that AI chatbots can give inappropriate or harmful responses to mental health queries; always review.
- Ensure all participants know how to access emergency mental health support if needed.
- Follow safeguarding policies and mandatory reporting obligations if a learner discloses risk.
- Respect cultural differences in attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking.
🍱 Extensions / Follow‑Ups
- Create a class “Well-being Resource Map” with local and online mental health support.
- Invite a local mental health professional to speak about available services.
- Explore peer support models: how can learners support each other’s well-being?
🔗 Cross‑Subject Link
References & Resources
ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com
DeepL Translator: https://www.deepl.com
Calm App: https://www.calm.com
Smiling Mind (free): https://www.smilingmind.com.au
WHO Mental Health Resources: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health