A New Wave of Challenges: Youth Mental Health First Aid for Environmentally Affected Coastal Communities in Belize

This report outlines a Youth Mental Health First Aid Action Plan designed to address the emotional, social, and educational impacts of recurring sargassum influxes on young people in San Pedro and Dangriga Town. Although sargassum has been widely studied for its ecological and economic effects, its psychological impact on youth who experience anxiety, disrupted routines, and household stress remains overlooked. This action plan responds by providing targeted mental health support, school-based workshops, environmental education, and youth empowerment activities that build resilience and awareness. The #501SaveTheBeach initiative focuses on youth ages twelve to twenty-nine and is implemented in collaboration with local schools, the CARICOM Youth Ambassador and health professionals. It presents the rationale, methodology, expected outcomes, and sustainability strategies needed to support emotionally resilient and environmentally informed Belizean youth.