Back to search

Shape your mind, shape your future

2021-1-ES02-KA152-YOU-0000098912021Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: ES|RO|NL · Grant: €41,202
Physical and mental health, well-being

Objectives

"Shape your Mind, Shape your Future" project raised awareness about mental health issues specific to the covid-19 pandemic effects and made young people understand the importance of physical and other stress-reducing activities for a healthier life, both from the mental and physical perspectives. We used interactive non-formal education methods in a multicultural context and various practical activities (hiking, outdoor team sports, yoga, meditation, laugh therapy, etc). Objectives: 1. To increase awareness about the mental health issues associated with the covid-19 pandemic and help generated solutions through small but effective behavioral changes for the 26 young people participating, during the 11 activity days. 2. To involve the 26 young people in practical learning activities, both physical (hiking, outdoor team sports, zip-line, canoeing) and mental (yoga, meditation, laugh therapy). A total of 8 methods will be used during the 11 activity days. 3. To inform 26 young people from each of the communities of the project partners about the importance of understanding mental health issues during this pandemic and how important it is to create good habits (such as meditation, sports, yoga, etc), through 4 local events organized by the young participants, supported by the partner organizations. 4. To develop 4 tools for promoting a healthy lifestyle on social media: 1 TikTok account, 1 Facebook page, 1 Instagram account, 1 WordPress blog. The target is to reach at least 2000 young people in total. The project’s aim and objectives were built on needs identified through specific means by us and our partners in the communities connected for implementing this project. From the statistical point of view, we discovered the following data: -18% of young people suffer from anxiety disorders in Netherlands; -30% of young people suffer from mental health issues (loneliness or suicide thoughts) in Sint Maarten; -15% of people suffer from mental disorders throughout their life in Spain; -14% of people suffer from at least 1mentat disorder in Romania. In addition to the presented, we conducted an analysis in the 8 local communities involved through: online questionnaires (app. 100/partner) and focus-groups with local volunteers (app. 2/partner). The analysis had results consistent with the existing statistical data. The objectives were achieved as follows: -The exchange of information, ideas and experiences between the 26 young participants was facilitated, under the guidance of the 5 leaders, from 4 different countries, in connection with the benefits of regularly practicing physical sports and other outdoor recreational activities. Participants gave individual and group presentations about these benefits, shared their own experiences and gave advice. They were resource persons at the group level, with experience in the following fields: yoga, slack-line, hiking, commercial climbing, football, running, modern dances, volleyball, etc. -The 26 young people and 5 leaders were involved in 5 physical activities of experiential learning, during the implementation: hiking on the mountain route (including Treasure Hunt activity), team sports (football and volleyball), zip line. In addition, during the Open Space session, the young people were able to experience even more outdoor activities offered by their experienced colleagues. -About 500 young people were informed about the importance of playing sports and other outdoor physical activities (especially hiking, zip-lining), as well as Erasmus + opportunities through 4 main local and other secondary actions organized by participants with the support of partners and other local entities. -3 tools were created to promote an active lifestyle, in terms of project results: (4 motivational videos, plus other videos with examples from activities), Facebook page, Brochures shared with audience (Information target of 2000 people was exceeded, according to Insights) -The international network „Shape your Mind, Shape your future” was created between the 4 partners of the project, to which 4 other local partners from each country were attracted. In general, all the objectives initially set have been achieved. The objective that has undergone changes is the one related to the concrete activities, the adventure park being closed due to some falling trees, but I made up for it with the climbing and slack-line activities.

Project partners (4)