By implementing this project, we managed to achieve several key objectives: 1. Creation of new outdoor tools: We developed innovative outdoor tools that now can be used to work with young people experiencing mental health conditions. 2. Support mental health through alternative methods: We wanted to help young people to overcome mental health issues by using outdoor activities, reducing the need for medication. 3. Foster a connection with nature: We wanted for young people to feel more connected to the natural environment, which would, in turn, contribute to their sense of grounding and improve their holistic well-being. The project aimed to fill gaps in mental health treatment by introducing wilderness therapy, particularly in areas like Malta and Greece, where this approach was new, and in Estonia, where it had not been applied to youth with mental health issues. To better achieve our objectives we divided the project into Phase 1: The objectives were to get a clearer idea of the common mental health problems in young people between the ages of 13 – 17 in our communities and to research them. Phase 2: The objective was the creation of the new tools. Phase 3: The objective here was to use the tools with youth through mentoring
One of the main reasons why we applied for this project, was to address the increasing mental health issues among young people, particularly increased by urbanization and the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific needs we aimed to address included rising mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, especially in adolescents who are difficult to engage through traditional therapy. The motivation to pursue wilderness therapy came after witnessing the positive effects of outdoor interventions on two youths who had attempted suicide. The need for this project came from observations that we have been having, as youth workers, we have been noticing that there has been an increase in mental health conditions amongst the youth that we work with. This trend has been on the increase for the last few years and spiked when the pandemic hit. By creating new tools focused on outdoor activities, this project aimed to provide alternative therapeutic methods that reduce reliance on medication and help young people reconnect with nature, ultimately improving their mental health and overall well-being.