SaHaSo project had a two-fold objective. Firstly, to increase the capacity of the 3 partner organizations to work with youth with mental disabilities in the crucial and sensitive field of relationships, emotional and sex life, incl. online, through transnational cooperation to create together & pilot a new, blended course on the subject. Secondly, to provide prevention of emotional & sexual abuse of young people with mental disabilities, to enhance their autonomy & social inclusion through blended Education for Relationships, Emotional and Sex life with art (ERESL). The project involved an exchange of expertise between social/youth workers from the 3 partner organizations in instructing social and developmental skills, in art techniques, and online work with youth with special needs. The young people with special needs participated in the pilot of the innovative SaHaSo programme and contributed to its outcomes and some multiplier events. They received non-formal instruction comprising regular, stimulating activities with artistic means of expression and virtual exchanges with international peers on ERESL topics suitable for public/online discussion.
We applied for this project to address pressing needs within our community, as observed by our youth/social workers. Young people with mental disabilities and social communication difficulties face significant challenges in recognizing and responding to abuse, particularly sexual harrasement. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of digital resources and remote support mechanisms. Considering the specifics of mental disabilities, an efficient response to such needs would require periodical repetition of the information in ever-new and diverse ways. SaHaSo supported young people with mental disabilities and social youth workers who mentor them, providing adapted, easy-to-understand information, as well as skills to recognize, respond to, and report various forms of harassment, especially sexual abuse. SaHaSo provided experience exchange, skill development, and access to new tools for six youth social workers. This included integrating the concept of Education on Relationships, Emotional, and sexual life and art therapy techniques. The project promoted transnational cooperation, enabling organizations to learn from each other's experiences and expand their operations internationally.