An initiative of the You Make THE Difference Foundation
A First Identifier is an everyday person equipped to recognize when someone may be struggling and help them take an appropriate next step.
Empowering Minds is not therapy, counselling, diagnosis, or a service for crisis response.
Need immediate help?
Empowering Minds is not a crisis service. Call or text 988 in the United States for immediate crisis support.
First Identifier training gives ordinary people practical language and boundaries for responding when a friend, colleague, student, volunteer, neighbour, or family member may be struggling.
The role is supportive and relational. It is not clinical.
Changes in behaviour, appearance, routines, energy, performance, or connection that suggest someone may be struggling.
Words, tone, repeated concerns, withdrawal, hopelessness, or comments that signal strain and the need for support.
Simple, respectful conversation starters that show care, reduce pressure, and invite the person to talk without judgment.
Listen, respond within your role, encourage an appropriate next step, and connect the person with suitable support.
Listen 80%
Talk 20%
It is about creating enough safety for someone to speak, listening without rushing to fix the situation, and helping the person identify an appropriate source of support.
First Identifier training can support communities, schools, workplaces, agriculture and industry, first responders, public service organizations, faith communities, healthcare partners, fairs, agricultural societies, nonprofits, service clubs, and volunteer organizations.
Start with a conversation about the audiences, local partners, and outcomes that matter in your community.
