The project aimed to support two groups severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: socially isolated seniors and artists facing economic hardship. As an art and health initiative, it explored the link between memories, creativity, and well-being. Key objectives: - Reduce seniors' isolation and encourage social participation. - Enhance cognitive, social, and communicative skills. - Promote intergenerational dialogue and strengthen neighborhood networks. - Reduce reliance on structured social support through community activities. - Encourage participation in local cultural and social opportunities. -Develop training services for seniors while expanding professional competencies. -Increase the visibility of partner organizations in adult education. -The project also supported artists and expressive arts therapists, addressing both their professional and psychological needs by involving them in activities that benefited seniors. Specific goals: -Prevent loneliness among seniors. -Foster socially inclusive local environments. -Enhance organizations' competencies in seniors' training and expand their reach in adult education.
The project responded to the urgent need to ensure intercultural and inclusive support for the elderly after the COVID-19 crisis, by improving their well-being and reducing their isolation. It also meant upgrading the skills of social workers. Through collaboration between international partners, adult education tools, training programs, and distance learning materials were developed for social workers and art therapists. These interventions, tested in pilot projects, made it possible to update professional skills and introduce art therapy methods to promote the psychosocial well-being of older people. Our approach focused on adapting art therapy methods, recognizing that creative expression can foster subjective well-being and mitigate the isolation of many older people. The strengthening of Saules Stygos' management and administrative skills ensured effective coordination, fostering partnerships with public bodies, NGOs, and NPOs to reach the most vulnerable elderly. The project provided counseling, psychological support, and targeted training, producing lasting resources and policy recommendations to support future initiatives in adult education and therapeutic practices.