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Emotional well-being and safe space in youth work

2025-2-SK02-KA153-YOU-0003665032025Mobility of youth workersongoing
Countries: SK|RO|UA|GE|ES|PT|PL · Grant: €21,425
Physical and mental health, well-beingQuality and innovation of youth workKey competences development

Objectives

The project is aimed at developing the competences of youth workers in the following areas: Developing emotional stability and inner balance to strengthen one's own inner sense of security in youth work (at-risk, disorganized, socially excluded, rural youth) How to increase one's own inner balance when solving conflict situations in youth work with mindfulness, relaxation and self-awareness techniques. How to create a safe environment in youth work where young people feel safe, trust and open up. How to work with the "circle of safety" model and its applications to support the emotional well-being of young people The "circle of safety" framework is a visual tool that helps youth workers understand and respond to the emotional needs of young people. This approach supports the creation of safe and stable relationships, which are the basis for the emotional well-being and development of young people. Project objectives: 1. Deepen understanding of attachment theory and its impact on well-being: Increase participants' knowledge of attachment theory developed by John Bowlby and its impact on the emotional and social development of young people. Understand how secure attachment influences a young person's ability to form stable and trusting relationships throughout life. 2. Become familiar with the "circle of safety" model and its applications to support the emotional well-being of young people: Use the visual tool "circle of safety" to understand and respond to the emotional needs of young people. Increase youth workers' understanding and knowledge of the needs of young people in relation to the formation of secure relationships. 3. Analyze the concept of safety and practice its ways in PsM: Develop participants' ability to feel stable and balanced even in challenging situations through techniques such as mindfulness, self-awareness and relaxation. Promote inner safety as a foundation for emotional well-being for youth workers. 4. Increase the ability to be aware of bodily sensations and be fully present in the moment, expanding comfort zones: Use mindfulness exercises, such as breathing or body awareness, to support body awareness and emotional regulation. Help participants stay present and expand their comfort zones when working with youth. 5. Use tools to support the creation of safe relationships and emotional connections with others: Teach participants techniques such as active listening, empathy and open communication to build trusting and safe relationships. 6. Share tools and practices useful for creating safe spaces in youth work: Create an environment where young people feel accepted, respected and supported, through clear rules, open communication and opportunities to express feelings and opinions. Participants will gain professional knowledge of Attachment Theory and will know how to use it practically in working with youth. Participants will gain a better understanding of young people's behavior: behavior such as aggression, isolation, distrust can be a manifestation of unmet needs for security and attachment, not "bad character". Knowledge of how the quality of these bonds shapes young people's ability to trust, manage stress, regulate emotions and build relationships in adulthood. Be able to apply the principles of Bowlby's attachment theory to work with youth and better understand its impact on the emotional and social development of young people from different backgrounds, thereby improving the quality and effectiveness of work with at-risk and disorganized youth. Knowledge of the “Circle of Security” model and its implementation in youth work: How to become a “safe worker in an organization with a safe environment” – a stable, reliable adult who listens, does not react hurtfully and is consistent. The youth worker applies the “Circle of Security” model as a tool that allows creating an environment where a young person feels understood and accepted. Participants will gain developed competencies on creating a safe environment for youth in relation to the concepts of trust, safety, psychological stability. The aim of the project is to strengthen the competences of youth workers for: a) Emotional reflection: Helping a young person name and understand their emotions b) Self-reflection: knowing their own experiences and emotions c) psychohygienic techniques, midfulness and self-regulation to support the mental health of youth workers: they will consciously create an inner sense of stability, which is a prerequisite for providing safety to others. The development of emotional stability in a youth worker is a key prerequisite for quality and safe work - especially when working with at-risk, disorganized and socially excluded youth. An emotionally stable worker is better able to regulate their reactions, create trust and process difficult situations without transferring their own stress to young people. They will gain the competences: -Aware of and regulate their own emotions when resolving conflicts

Project partners (7)