Mindful Connections – Training of Youth Workers for Wellbeing and Balance

In a fast-paced, hyperconnected world, many youth professionals experience burnout, stress, and constant digital overload. This project creates a reflective and supportive space to recharge, reconnect, and rebuild sustainable ways of working and living.

Through experiential learning, guided reflection, and peer learning, participants will explore how to cultivate personal wellbeing, practice digital detox, and develop tools for supporting young people’s mental health. The course also fosters an international network of mindful practitioners, enabling new Erasmus+ partnerships grounded in empathy, trust, and shared values.

Objectives:

• To raise awareness about the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing in youth work.
• To introduce practical tools and methods for stress management, self-care, and digital balance.
• To promote digital wellbeing and conscious use of technology in personal and professional contexts.
• To strengthen networks among youth workers and create space for new international collaborations.
• To inspire future Erasmus+ projectsfocused on wellbeing, resilience, and mental health education.

Methods & Activities:

The training will be based on non-formal education principles, emphasizing experiential, reflective, and holistic learning. Methods include:

• Mindfulness sessions and body-based practices
• Digital detox retreat elements — spending time offline, reconnecting with nature and oneself.
• Sharing circles and sessions to explore feelings, boundaries, and communication.
• Creative expression and art-based activities as tools for wellbeing and reflection.
• Peer learning and skill-sharing sessions on mental health support in youth work.
• Networking and partnership labs to co-create new project ideas and Erasmus+ collaborations.
• Action planning to implement wellbeing strategies and digital detox practices back home.

​​​​​​​Key Learnings & Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Develop personal wellbeing strategies and understand how to prevent burnout.
• Gain practical tools for facilitating wellbeing and mental health activities with youth.
• Experience the benefits of a digital detox and learn how to model digital balance.
• Strengthen interpersonal and intercultural communication skills through mindful networking.
• Build new partnerships and co-create project concepts aligned with Erasmus+ priorities.
• Leave with a clear personal and professional action plan to sustain wellbeing and integrate it into daily work.