The main objective of the project was to improve the mental well-being of young people by strengthening their social-emotional competencies, self-awareness, and ability to support their peers. The project aimed to empower youth to become more resilient, confident, and actively involved in their communities. A key objective was the development and implementation of the BIB (Be in Balance) methodology, a comprehensive and practical tool combining social-emotional learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This methodology aimed to provide youth workers and organisations with innovative approaches to address mental health challenges in a holistic and accessible way. The project also aimed to enhance the competencies of youth workers through international trainings, enabling them to design and deliver quality activities for young people. Another important objective was to promote peer-to-peer learning, encouraging young people to take active roles in supporting others and addressing mental health issues within their communities. Additionally, the project aimed to strengthen cooperation between partner organisations and increase awareness of youth mental health at local and international levels.
The project was developed in response to the growing mental health challenges among young people, which became more visible after the COVID-19 pandemic. Partners observed increased anxiety, low self-esteem, social isolation, and behavioural issues, alongside a strong need for peer support and meaningful participation. At the same time, there was a lack of practical, youth-friendly methodologies addressing mental health in a holistic way. Existing approaches were often fragmented and did not combine key elements such as social-emotional learning, creativity, and active participation. Youth workers also needed improved competencies, innovative non-formal education tools, and stronger international cooperation to better support young people. The project addressed these needs by developing the BIB (Be in Balance) methodology, a comprehensive framework combining social-emotional learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship. It also promoted peer-to-peer learning, empowering young people to actively support each other. Overall, the project aimed to improve youth mental well-being, strengthen soft skills, promote inclusion, and enhance the capacity of organisations and youth workers to respond effectively to these challenges.