Website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2023-2-MT01-KA153-YOU-000168763
Start date 01-08-2023
End date 31-07-2024
Budget: 50.518,00 €
Coordinator: Creative Youth
Partner: Fundacja “Zielony Słoń” (PL) , CULTURAL INTERACTION (CY) , Georgian Youth Development Association (GE) , ICSE & CO (IT) ,SDRUZENIE AKTIVNO BALGARSKO OBSHTESTVO (BG) , Active Youth España (ES) , Avrupa Entegrasyon Derneği (TR) , VšĮ AY Institutas (LT) ,SDG Hrvatska (HR)
Objectives
Every person’s life is impacted by their mental health. An individual in good mental health is more able to contribute to their environment and works more efficiently. Therefore, it was evident that mental illnesses could result in severe issues and the wasted potential of people. A mental disorder is a medical condition that causes modifications to one’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior (e.g., depression). The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 25% of adult Europeans had experienced at least one mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, in the previous year. However, very few of them had ever sought out professional assistance. In addition to having a substantial impact on individuals, mental illnesses also have a growing economic burden. It was crucial to raise awareness of the problems and lessen the stigma associated with mental health as a result.
European societies were facing a number of difficulties at the time. One of the delicate subjects that was frequently observed throughout the EU was the lack of knowledge about mental health. As a result, there existed bias directed towards individuals who experienced mental health issues. In addition, if someone (who didn’t know enough about mental health) found themselves in such a predicament, they didn’t know what to do and were scared to get professional help because it might have harmful effects.
The main goal of the project was to (1) improve mental health awareness and (2) empower youth workers with tools and practices to prevent negative consequences related to mental health issues. This helped to (1) reduce stigma associated with mental illness and (2) promote and support the mental health of youth workers and youth.
The following objectives were specified in order to achieve the project’s main goal:
-Raised awareness about the existing mental health situation;
-Reduced prejudices towards the mentally ill;
-Defined what mental health is and why it’s important;
-Created means to advise youth on how to live a healthier lifestyle and cope with surrounding stress.
Implementation
40 people from ten different countries (Malta, Lithuania, Turkey, Croatia, Bulgaria, Italy, Cyprus, Georgia, Spain, and Poland) attended the “Mental Improvement Nurturing Development” (M.I.N.D.) training course, which was held in Msida, Malta. The participants were interested in the subject of mental health and well-being and/or had encountered or supported friends, family members, or youth with similar issues. Priority was given to those with less opportunities and from disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., facing social exclusion or struggling financially). Many NFE technologies created by each partner were employed.
Participants were engaged in activities that included: 1) presentations about mental health, mental disorders, and tips to improve well-being; 2) interactive workshops on the topic of mental health, such as “Stress+Habits+Goals” and “Reflective Writing & Gratitude; 3) discussions in a non-formal environment about the topic; 4) learning and sharing different coping and reflection techniques; 5) sessions with relevant guest speakers; 6) group tasks; 7) creation of an e-book on various stress management techniques; and 8) evaluations, assessments, reflections, etc. In addition, cultural evenings, energizers, ice-breaking, and socialization activities were provided to facilitate the participants’ integration.
All of this ensured that the project produced positive effects at the local, national, and international levels for participants, partner organizations, and target audiences (youth workers, young people, and the general public).
Following the training course, the participants assisted the partner organizations in preparing and implementing local dissemination initiatives in their respective countries (by exchanging information and expertise about the issue).
Results
The goal of the initiative was to increase youth workers’ and young people’s understanding of mental health issues in order to enhance their wellbeing and lessen the stigma attached to those who experience mental illnesses. Participants in the training course learned more about mental health, including what kinds of mental problems exist and why it’s important.
In addition, the participants learned new techniques and strategies for lowering mental health risk factors and enhancing and preserving mental health (such as stress management). As a result, the participants will able to: 1) lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent mental illness in the future; and 2) support their youth. Through individual and group exercises, the participants not only gained a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, but also enhanced their communication, intercultural, and collaboration skills. Because they actively participated in the project, youth workers’ organizational skills were enhanced and developed throughout all phases.
In addition, the participants were taught how to utilize Youth Pass, which enabled them to evaluate their skills and knowledge. Additionally, by promoting mental health, the partner organizations made it possible for them to take part in upcoming national and local campaigns. Organizations also gained knowledge on how to incorporate different NFE techniques into their operations.
By educating people about the problem, the project’s methods of disseminating its findings—videos, photos, website, and an e-book—promoted social consciousness. With the help of regional and worldwide media, we were able to reach a larger audience by disseminating information about the project. The long-term objective was to lessen the stigma associated with mental illness, as previously mentioned. Society at large benefits from this as well as the wellbeing of youth workers and young people would improve.
