Adolescence and young adulthood are pivotal for identity formation. In the evolving European Union youth struggle with balancing personal and family value systems, as well as national and European identities amid rising nationalist sentiments, causing severe identity conflicts and isolation. Digital communication offers benefits but pressures youth to create ideal online and offline personas, conflicting with their authentic identities. The Mental Health Foundation found 39% of young Europeans experienced deteriorating mental health from unrealistic social media standards citing anxiety and low self-esteem due to identity pressures. Increased ideological polarisation further obstruct healthy identity formation amid discrimination, environmental degradation, and economic instability, amplifying high-risk behaviors, with youth work support being often outdated for the new challenges of contemporary youth. European Social Survey conducted a study in which they pointed out that 50% of European youth (aged 16 to 25) are struggling with identity-related issues. A European Youth Forum study highlighted that 35% of European youth are prone to social exclusion based on the problems of identity conflicts. The OECD reported in 2022 that 20% of young Europeans, particularly those hard to reach feel socially isolated, a figure worsened by ongoing global challenges. The NEEDs: In this context a necessity emerges: to address and support the healthy development of identity-formation and foster the social inclusion of young people, especially for those that are hard to reach. MAIN NEEDS of YOUTH WORKERS that we have identified (more details will be offered in a later section): -Understanding the developmental stages and needs of young people and addressing the challenges in forming a healthy identity and a strong sense of self -Training and skill development on effective methods to tackle identity conflicts and supporting authentic identity formation of youth -Access to up-to-date resources on identity development, cultural diversity, and social inclusion applicable in physical and online settings. MAIN NEEDS of YOUTH who are hard to reach (more details offered later): -Building self-knowledge & self-acceptance that promote identity formation based on strengths, talents, abilities, resources and increase resilience -Belonging to safe physical & digital environments for authentic and free self-expression without fear of judgement -Empowerment in pursuing own values and needs within a fast changing social and ecological context. 'The Poetics of Belonging' AIMS at enhancing the competences of youth workers to support the formation of authentic and healthy identity and stimulate social inclusion among youth (especially for the hard to reach ones), through introducing in youth work an innovative concept called ‘The Mythopoetic Identity’ which is rooted in nature and creative-expressive non-formal methods and techniques. MAIN METHODOLOGY: THE MYTHOPOETIC IDENTITY is a powerful and innovative framework inspired by Carl Jung’s concept of Personal Myth. It is adapted for modern youth work and includes not only one’s values, beliefs, authenticity, needs, social status, and spiritual worldview but also what is most true and unique about each individual. This concept highlights a person's unique gifts, purpose, and contribution to the world, valuing diversity and encouraging resilience and the development of the positive potential of youth despite challenges. We will explore the concept of ‘The Mythopoetic Identity’ through Nature-based non-formal practices, spending time in the natural world exploring the specifics of the relationship with nature in new and dynamic ways AND through Creative-expressive methodology such as storytelling, myth-telling, embodiment and journaling for igniting self-knowledge, acceptance, and empowerment; poetry and art-based methods for serving as creative outlets for enlarging the understanding and perception of oneself. We will use these methods to transform a young person's everyday life story into a unique and essential personal myth. This will serve as a compass, guiding them to discover their true and unique gifts and offer them to the world, increasing self knowledge, belonging, resilience and general life satisfaction. THE OBJECTIVES: By the end of the project 26 youth workers will: 1. Enhance by 75% their degree of understanding the profile, needs and particularities related to identity problems of hard to reach youth and the difficulties they face towards social inclusion. 2. Improve by 75% their competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) in using the Mythopoetic Identity concept (rooted in nature and creative-expressive tools) for identity formation and inclusion of hard to reach young people. 3. Boost by 75% their competences and confidence in offering guidance by adapting and using these methodologies for online delivery broadening inclusion for hard-to-reach youth.