The Forest Youth project aims to improve 4 areas in the youth field: (1) Youth Wellbeing: In a recent survey of UNICEF (2021) with young people across the EU, almost 1 in 5 responded that they identified as suffering from mental health problems or symptoms such as depression or anxiety. The Forest Youth project based on Forest Bathing methodology aims to improve youths health & wellbeing. (2) Inclusion: the activities of the Forest Youth project are focused on the main target group - marginalised youth. In engaging and connecting activities, they developed a sense of belonging to the community, better social inclusion via common goals and activities. (3) Youth Entrepreneurship & Initiative taking: during the empowerment and initiative-taking sessions marginalised youth developed a sense of entrepreneurship, gained a number of transversal skills and were empowered to take action. (4) Actions on Climate Change: As youth is identified as one of the nine major groups of civil society in Agenda 21, The Forest Youth project calls youth to act NOW and TODAY!
Inclusion & Fight against Climate Change are the key cornerstones of EU policy. Besides this, Forest Youth goes together with Sustainable Development Goal ensuring equal opportunities and rights to ALL, means that conditions are created to enable young people to fulfil their potential despite their conditions and marginalisation. Also "Climate Action" and "Good health and wellbeing" as that one is especially important after and during the pandemic period. COVID-19 pandemic has influenced everyone's lives for the worse. Youth with fewer opportunities, specifically, had even greater trouble coping with that. Improving their physical and mental health helps their overall mindset and attitude, resulting in a significant confidence boost, leading them to stand on their feet and chase opportunities. Reduced stress and a healthy mind and body can help them form better human connections, thus increasing their chances of passing a job interview or forming valuable friendships. In the Forest Youth project, we are aimed to ENGAGE youth with Forest Bathing Methodology, to CONNECT youth to the common community via Forest Youth Platform and EMPOWER via local activities and initiatives.