The EMOTICOM project, led by Petrklíč Help, PASOS and CFCECAS, responded to the urgent need to address the negative mental health effects of COVID-19 on youth communities. It aimed to Connect youth workers and young people with innovative tools for mental health, transferring best practices in self-awareness, social awareness, emotional management, healthy lifestyles and community building. The project also sought to Engage participants in overcoming mental health challenges caused by the pandemic by designing and evaluating a framework to support mental health. It emphasized creating safe environments where youth workers and participants could collaborate and support each other in addressing these challenges. Finally, the project aimed to Empower youth communities by encouraging participants to become multipliers who share and implement the framework. It also focused on raising awareness of the importance of addressing mental health and reducing stigma. These objectives fostered resilience, promoted emotional well-being, and established lasting tools for mental health support.
The EMOTICOM project was initiated to address the growing mental health challenges experienced by young people due to the social, economic, and employment disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project recognized a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, particularly among the younger population, and sought to counteract these through innovative and inclusive methods. Key objectives included equipping youth workers and young people with innovative tools for emotional well-being and mental health, engaging them in overcoming their mental challenges, and empowering youth communities to focus on their well-being. The approach aimed to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering an open and non-judgmental perspective while also addressing barriers to accessing mental health care for low-income populations. The project applied a practical and community-oriented framework, incorporating tools such as didactic videos and interactive resources. It also sought to build on existing best practices in emotional management, social awareness, and healthy lifestyles, adapting them to the challenges of the post-pandemic era.