Through the implementation of this project, we aimed to improve the mental health of young people by stimulating their creativity and harnessing their youthful enthusiasm. The initiative sought to combine two seemingly distant areas—health and creativity—into one holistic program for youth. Primarily, the project was dedicated directly to this age group, involving young people in leading activities and supporting their peers. The core of the project was a serious approach to contemporary youth issues related to mental health, resulting in burnout, depression, and a lack of social activity. The path we proposed to young participants was through creativity and art, which not only allowed them to find peace but also to make changes in their professional and personal lives. Effective support for youth required improving the competencies of educators and applying innovative education. The project aimed to provide such educational tools and enhance the qualifications of those working with young people.
We applied for this project due to the crisis related to the coronavirus epidemic, which had a very negative impact on young people in Europe. The fight against the epidemic and the restrictions imposed weakened the mental well-being of the youth. Many of them perceived this situation as a loss of the most important time in their lives – their youth. As a result, young people experienced numerous mental health issues, remaining without institutional or social support. These problems directly affected their education and career development. Furthermore, we were unable to foresee all the long-term consequences of this situation. However, it was certain that it was a negative period for an entire generation that needed support and new energy to overcome these difficulties. Additionally, those working with young people also faced many challenges, both due to the impact on their own mental well-being and the lack of appropriate educational tools and skills.