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Breathe, Reflect, Thrive - Youth Workers stress management Zen-kit

2023-3-DE04-KA153-YOU-0001726802023Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: DE|IT|GE|AM|PT|MD|LV|HU|UA · Grant: €23,080
Physical and mental health, well-beingNew learning and teaching methods and approaches

Objectives

By implementing this project, we aimed to address the increasing demands placed on youth workers, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing military conflicts. These challenging circumstances often lead youth workers and educators to experience burnout, hindering their ability to effectively support young people, especially those with fewer opportunities and difficult backgrounds. To tackle this crucial issue, we sought to empower youth workers with a comprehensive toolkit for stress management, self-care, and overall well-being. We recognized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of youth workers, as they serve as frontline support for vulnerable young individuals. By equipping them with the necessary skills and strategies to manage stress and maintain their own well-being, we aimed to enhance their ability to provide guidance and support to young people. The primary goal of the training course was to empower educational professionals with a robust set of stress-reduction and well-being techniques. These methods included meditation, breathing exercises, somatic experiencing, creative art-therapy techniques, and self-reflection tools. Through this training, participants not only acquired these valuable competencies but also gained practical experience in their application. This allowed them to create a nurturing and stress-free environment for the young people they worked with. By prioritizing the mental and emotional well-being of youth workers, we aimed to create a ripple effect of positive change, ultimately benefiting the young individuals they served. Healthy and resilient youth workers were better equipped to provide effective support, fostering the growth and well-being of the youth they worked with, particularly those facing significant challenges. "Breathe, Reflect, Thrive - Youth Workers Stress Management Zen-kit" training course brought together 26 youth workers, young leaders, and educators from nine countries. The project enabled them to explore, experience, and gain practical tools for stress management and well-being, ultimately improving their everyday work with youth. The specific objectives of this training course were: - To empower participating youth workers, young leaders and educators by developing specific competences of stress management in their work with young people - To practice and learn various self-care techniques to support physical, mental and emotional well-being of participants which they can further implement in their workplaces with their target groups - To equip youth workers, young leaders and educators with a comprehensive toolkit of stress reduction and well-being methods - To form a network among like-minded organizations and develop follow-up projects on the similar topics

Project partners (9)