“Resilience in Action – HEAL-SET Methodology”

The activity introduces participants to the HEAL-SET Methodology, an innovative trauma-informed framework developed by the Portuguese National Agency together with an international Steering Group of experts and practitioners. The methodology provides practical, ethical and adaptable tools for creating safe learning environments, strengthening resilience and promoting psychosocial wellbeing through non-formal education.

Participants will explore the methodology through experiential learning, practical workshops, peer learning and reflection, before applying selected methods in supervised practice sessions with young migrants and refugees. The activity combines professional development, intercultural exchange and European cooperation, encouraging participants to transfer the acquired approaches into their own organisations and local communities.

Objectives

During the activity participants will:

strengthen their competences in supporting psychosocial wellbeing and resilience among young migrants, refugees and other vulnerable young people;

explore the principles of trauma-informed youth work within non-formal education;

learn how to create safe, inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environments;

experience and apply the HEAL-SET Methodology through practical exercises;

develop facilitation skills for multicultural and multilingual groups;

test selected resilience-building activities with a real target group under trainer supervision;

exchange practices and experiences with professionals from different European countries;

identify opportunities for future Erasmus+ cooperation and partnership development.

What is HEAL-SET?

The HEAL-SET Methodology is a structured framework for resilience-oriented youth work built around seven interconnected principles:

Hold Safety – creating emotionally and physically safe learning environments;

Engage Body & Senses – using grounding and body-based techniques;

Anchor Emotions & Meaning – supporting emotional awareness and reflection;

Link Peers & Caregivers – strengthening supportive relationships;

Skill Build – developing practical resilience competences;

Empower Action – encouraging meaningful individual action;

Track Outcomes – using ethical and accessible monitoring tools to evaluate progress.

The methodology has been developed through international cooperation and successfully piloted with young people affected by forced displacement. During this TCA participants will experience the methodology both as learners and facilitators.

Working methods

The programme is based on the principles of non-formal education and experiential learning and includes:

interactive workshops;

practical simulations;

body-based and creative learning activities;

peer learning;

facilitated reflection;

intercultural dialogue;

group work;

supervised practical implementation with young migrants and refugees;

feedback and evaluation sessions.

A distinctive element of the activity is the opportunity to facilitate selected resilience-building activities with members of the target group in a real learning environment, followed by structured reflection together with the international trainers.

Profile of participants

This activity is intended for professionals who are actively involved in youth work and inclusion, including:

youth workers;

youth trainers;

facilitators;

educators;

NGO staff;

social workers;

professionals supporting young migrants, refugees or other vulnerable groups;

representatives of Erasmus+ National Agencies working in the Youth field (subject to final confirmation).

Participants should:

have experience in youth work or non-formal education;

be motivated to develop competences related to resilience, inclusion and psychosocial support;

be willing to transfer the methodology into their own organisations and future Erasmus+ projects;

actively participate throughout the entire training programme.

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of the activity participants will be able to:

understand the principles of trauma-informed youth work;

confidently apply the HEAL-SET Methodology in non-formal education settings;

facilitate safe and inclusive learning environments;

use practical resilience-building tools with diverse groups of young people;

adapt activities to different cultural contexts;

apply ethical safeguarding principles when working with vulnerable groups;

integrate the acquired methods into their everyday professional practice and future Erasmus+ projects.

Why participate?

This TCA offers much more than a traditional training course. Participants will gain access to an innovative methodology developed by international experts, experience practical field testing in authentic learning environments and become part of a growing European community of practitioners committed to strengthening resilience, inclusion and psychosocial wellbeing among young people.

The activity also provides an excellent opportunity to establish new international partnerships, exchange practices with colleagues from across Europe and explore future Erasmus+ cooperation initiatives.