RE-YOUTH Wellbeing and nurturing relationships for a generative future

Aims & objectives

The goal of the course is to propose practical tools for youth workers to acompany young people in the framework of the severe mental health crisis they find themselves in at the European level.
Through the training process the youth worker will learn how to:
• Identify and Understand Major Mental Health Challenges in Youth:
• Develop Active Listening and Empathic Communication Skills:
• Apply Early Intervention Strategies:
• Establish Support Networks and Connection with other Professionals:
• Promote Self-Care Practices among Youth Workers:

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

The RE-YOUTH training activity targeted 22 youth workers from Southern Europe and the Mediterranean area, specifically involving participants from Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey. These participants are connected to organizations with experience in the Erasmus Plus Programme, focusing on equipping youth workers with innovative tools and methodologies to address the severe mental health challenges faced by young people in Europe. The international nature of the training, with professionals and participants from these Mediterranean countries, underlines the collaborative effort to enhance the support provided to youth across the region

Training methods used & main activities

The RE-YOUTH training used non-formal learning methods based on Processwork, Social Presencing Theatre, and Group Facilitation techniques. These methodologies are experiential, engaging participants in hands-on activities that promote personal and group development.

Examples of methods used include:

Processwork Techniques: This methodology employs a multidimensional approach, focusing on personal, relational, and group levels of experience.

Personal Level: Participants engage in self-reflection to identify internal challenges, emotions, and patterns that influence their behavior.
Relational Level: Through dyadic exercises, participants explore interactions with others, enhancing communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
Group Level: The training involves group dynamics that help participants understand collective processes, power dynamics, and the role of each individual within the group context.
Social Presencing Theatre: Combining embodiment, mindfulness, and social art, this method allows participants to sense and navigate complex social situations through physical movement and shared presence. It fosters skills in group awareness, empathic communication, and early intervention.

Group Facilitation with Generative Dialogue Techniques: These techniques encourage participation and collective intelligence by creating spaces for open, inclusive dialogue. They help youth workers guide conversations that generate new insights, build consensus, and enhance collaboration, crucial for supporting young people in participatory and empowering ways.

Outcomes of the activity

The RE-YOUTH training activity achieved several key outcomes aimed at enhancing the skills of youth workers to better support young people facing mental health challenges in Europe.

Achievements of the Training Activity:

Enhanced Skills in Youth Workers: Participants developed practical skills in active listening, empathic communication, early intervention strategies, and self-care practices. The training also improved their ability to design and facilitate group processes using Processwork, Social Presencing Theatre, and Group Facilitation techniques.

Strengthened Support Networks: The training fostered connections among youth workers, creating a network of professionals equipped to support one another and collaborate on mental health initiatives.

Empowerment through Experiential Learning: Participants experienced firsthand the impact of non-formal learning methods, allowing them to apply these techniques in their own work with young people.

Indicators of Success:

Participant Feedback: Success was indicated through positive feedback from participants, who reported increased confidence in using the new methodologies and a deeper understanding of the mental health issues affecting young people.

Demonstrated Competence: Throughout the training, participants engaged in practical exercises and group facilitation that showcased their growing competence in the tools and methods introduced.

Network Expansion: The creation of a professional network among participants and trainers indicated the ongoing impact and potential for future collaboration.

Publications and Websites Documenting the Training:

Creo Común Website: www.creocomun.org – Provides information on the training, its objectives, and methodologies.

L’Arte del Processo Website: https://www.processworkitalia.com – Features content on the Processwork methodology and its applications, including the RE-YOUTH training.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I was part of the training team, I co-designed the programme and developped it during the week.
The team was formed by

Sandra Salvucci
Counselor specialized in Process-Oriented Facilitation and member of the Executive Board of the Italian Processwork
School, el Arte del Processo, she coordinates the new “Counseling Desk” service for the Casa per La Pace Milano
association, where they also volunteer and serve as a trainer. The focus of her work is to uncover and enhance
the diverse resources within individuals and groups, aiming to foster cooperative environments and sustainable
interpersonal relationships. More at: https://www.processworkitalia.com/?lang=en

Genny Carraro
Facilitator, counsellor, trainer, and consultant specializing in aiding communities, organizations, and individuals in
enhancing clarity, efficiency, and ease in their processes. Her approach is dynamic and engaging, incorporating energy,
directness, and humor.
She is co-founder of the Italian Processwork School, introducing facilitation, processwork, and related disciplines to
Italy. Her work extended to the ecovillage movement, including a five-year tenure as CEO of the European Ecovillage
Network (GEN Europe) and a six-year board membership at ECOLISE.
More at: https://gennycarraro.com/

Daniele Cibati
Theatre director, organisational facilitator and therapist by vocation and seeker by soul needs, for more than a decade
he has been researching the use of art, and in particular theatre, for the facilitation of personal, organisational
and community change. ,
He has focused his interest in teaching, research and consultancy in the field of emotional management and conflict
transformation in groups and organisations, with a passion for accompanying youth workers in the development
of their facilitation skills.

I worked on this training for 5 days as a full time trainer.