Taken by Poems

‘Taken by Poems’ is a 7-day Erasmus+ training course that brings together creative writing—especially poetry—with Eco-Soulcentric Education to support the mental health and social inclusion of hard-to-reach youth. Rooted in deep nature connection, movement, ritual, and group process, this immersive experience invites youth workers to explore how poetry can become a gateway to emotional expression, healing, and transformation—both personal and collective.

In a time where 1 in 5 young people in Europe faces a mental health issue annually, and where global crises continue to deepen emotional distress and social disconnection, youth workers are increasingly called to adopt innovative, heart-centered methods. Depression and suicide remain leading concerns among adolescents, while social exclusion and emotional overwhelm limit their participation and well-being. 'Taken by Poems' directly responds to these realities.

This program offers a creative and soul-based approach, combining:

• Poetry writing and creative journaling
• Nature immersion and deep listening practices
• Movement, embodiment, and symbolic art
• Dreamwork, storytelling, and ritual
• Group process and Council

Together, these tools serve not just as artistic practices but as pathways toward emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a renewed sense of belonging—core needs for hard-to-reach youth today.

By the end of the program, 24 youth workers will:

• Deepen their understanding of the needs and realities of excluded and vulnerable youth;
• Gain practical tools in creative writing and ecocentric facilitation;
• Learn to guide transformative processes that nurture mental health and inclusion;
• Be supported in creating follow-up initiatives in their communities.

The training is guided by Sandra Horea, a soul initiation guide with 13+ years of experience, and Lelde Gusta, an artist and facilitator dedicated to nature-based learning and community connection.

The course will take place from 1–9 September 2025, in the serene rural surroundings of Alūksne, Latvia. Participants must be 18+, fluent in English, and residents of Latvia, Romania, Cyprus, Estonia, Bulgaria, Spain, Czech Republic, or Poland.