International Tool Fair XVII - ‘Mental Health - Minds in Motion’

What is the International Tool Fair?

The International Tool Fair (ITF) is an Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps community-of-practice event that brings together diverse organisations and project leaders within Youth, Sports, School Education, Adult Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) sectors across Europe and beyond borders.

The event provides an opportunity to learn, collaborate and share knowledge around innovative methods and best practices in formal and non-formal learning, through the exploration and exchange of ‘educational tools’. An educational tool can be thought of as the way we transfer and implement educational goals into a practice that engages participants in the learning process. Tools can take various forms, such as simulation exercises, creative workshops, role plays, outdoor activities and more.

2023 International Tool Fair Theme

The theme of the ITF XVII edition is ‘Mental Health – Minds in Motion’. This theme is dedicated to exploring non-formal tools and approaches to Mental Health and is designed to engage a range of participants, including teachers, sports staff, youth workers, VET professionals, volunteers, adult educators, researchers, and trainers.

During the conference, participants will have the opportunity to:

- Explore a range of Mental Health themes, tools and approaches through facilitator-led workshops, peer-to-peer discussions, deep-engagement sessions, and interactive activities.

-Become inspired and connect new tools, methodologies, and practices to your organisation’s context, your local reality, and your professional/personal experiences.

- Share and discuss how to apply mental health tools across sectors and in diverse contexts and settings.

- Discover how mental health tools can be used to enhance Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership projects. 

- Reflect on mental health practices, research, and competences across all sectors (youth, sport, schools, VET and adult Education).

Have a tool for learning that you’d like to share?

We are welcoming experts in the Mental Health profession and representatives from organisations to facilitate and share a mental health Tool Workshop. You can find details on Tool Workshops below and apply to facilitate a Tool Workshop through the application link. 

What types of learning and networking activities will be available?

TF Talks

Over the course of our three days together, participants will hear from inspirational speakers who will introduce new points of view, challenge our thinking, and encourage us to reflect on meaningful mental health practices and their impact.

Tools to Explore

Our Tools to Explore thematic sessions are led by professional experts in the field and use an exploratory format that fosters deep engagement with a subject area and encourages peer-to-peer discussion. Participants will select one theme which will be delivered over three 1.5-hour sessions (one session per day). You will be able to view and select a theme once your application for attendance has been confirmed.

Check out last year’s video for a glimpse into ITF Tool to explore here. 

Tool Market 

The Tool Market an opportunity for participants to bring publications, ideas, and tools relevant to Mental Health and that focus on the contribution of the youth workers, sports coaches, teachers, VET professionals, and researchers or educators of the hosting country. Please let us know in the application if you would like to exhibit your project during the Tool Market.

Check out last year’s video for a glimpse into Tool Market here.

Our Tool Workshops are led by organisations who wish to showcase a mental health tool developed in the field of non-formal or formal education. Workshops last one hour and participants will be able to select from a range of topics and sectors. You will be able to view and select workshops once your application for attendance has been confirmed.

Check out last year’s video for a glimpse into ITF Tool Workshops here.

If you are interested in facilitating a Tool Workshop to share your practice, please specify this in the application and pick 1-3 themes indicated below:

Mental Health Promotion: recognises that we can all play a role in supporting young people to mind their mental health and the need to meet young people where they live, learn, work and play in order to promote and support their mental health. Emphasises importance of taking proactive steps to maintain good mental health, including practicing self-care, building positive relationships, and engaging in activities that promote learning around mental health literacy.

Digital Mental Health (eMental Health): provides “users” with a comprehensive and accessible solution to support their mental health, using innovative online tools and supports and empowering people to take control of their mental well-being by promoting a culture of openness and support around mental health issues.

Community-based practice: highlights the importance of providing mental health support and practices within the context of a community. Emphasises the need to involve and collaborate with community members, organisations, and resources in the delivery of mental health supports.

Advocacy and Campaigning: centres around the idea of empowering people to use their voices and take action to promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy.

Trauma-informed practice: a strengths-based approach that is based on knowledge and understanding of how trauma affects people’s lives. Supports an understanding of how trauma can impact a young person and aims to reduce the impact it has on their lives. Involves creating a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and empowers individuals to regain control over their lives. 

Diversity, equity and inclusive mental health practice: the integration of principles and strategies that promote mental health practices that are accessible, equitable, and respectful of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Criteria:

- Able to communicate in English

- Willing to run a Tools Workshop

- Devoted to participating in the full process of the activity

- Have visions and plans how to use what they learned in their work

- Have the potential to develop their competencies in relation to the objectives of the activity