Mental Health in Youth Work: The Inspirational Event

Aims & objectives

This event gave young people a voice in how mental health is addressed in youth work. Peer-to-peer learning, lively discussions, and the chance to explore the topic together. Learn how to offer peer support or become inspired to promote mental health in the community!

Youth workers had a chance to exchange professionally and gain practical skills for supporting young people's wellbeing. They could understand better young people’s needs and reflect on their own role in promoting mental health.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Cooperation involved:
- National Agencies and Teams: national teams, support facilitators, and National Agencies from Finland, Norway, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Belgium, Hungary, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Serbia, and Turkey.
- Coordinators: The Portuguese and Finnish National Agencies for Erasmus+ Youth / Sports and European Solidarity Corps led the event coordination.
The Core3 facilitators, the Fab4 support facilitators, logistic support team, communication team, event reporter.

Training methods used & main activities

Engaging workshops for both young people and youth workers
Peer-led sessions by Co-Creation Crews of young people from Czechia, Finland, France, Lithuania, and Norway
Trainings by professional facilitators
Space for participants contributions by proposing their own session in the application.
Getting inspired about mental health

Outcomes of the activity

The event encouraged participation from youth workers and young people to explore methods and practices promoting mental health. Noteworthy aspects
included:
- Mental Health Awareness: Participants gained insights into mental health skills, wellbeing practices, and support methods for themselves and others.
- Focus Areas: The project focused on raising awareness, enhancing mental health literacy among youth workers, enabling youth participation, and increasing mental health-themed projects in European Youth Programmes.
Workshops and Peer Interaction: Various workshops catered to both youth workers and young individuals. Young people contributed by sharing insights
on how mental health should be addressed by youth workers and organizations

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I was one of the three members of the The Core3 facilitators. We designed and coordinated the preparation process, supported the youth involvement, co-created and co-facilitated event programme

I worked on this training for 3 days as a full time trainer.

Testimonial of the reference person

Nerijus took a lead role in coordinating the facilitation, connecting to the National Agencies and the host venue. He did it excellently.