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Fostering Education and Support Together for ARFID

2025-3-RS01-KA152-YOU-0003867882025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: RS|RO|MK|BG|PL|PT · Grant: €37,962
Physical and mental health, well-being

Objectives

This project aims to raise awareness about eating disorders, particularly Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which remains widely misunderstood despite affecting many young people across Europe. From a youth work practice perspective, we seek to equip young people with knowledge and tools to recognize eating disorders in their peers, provide compassionate support, and challenge stigma surrounding mental health in their communities. Our specific objectives are: Objective 1: Increase understanding of eating disorders (including ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating) by providing participants with comprehensive knowledge of symptoms, health impacts, and identification methods, enabling them to recognize and support those affected. Objective 2: Examine contributing factors to eating disorders, focusing on social media pressure, body image issues, post-pandemic mental health challenges, and sensory sensitivities to deepen understanding of disorder development. Objective 3: Equip participants with practical tools for early identification of various eating disorders, empowering them to support individuals in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. Objective 4: Promote cross-cultural dialogue and EU values, encouraging participants to share experiences and perspectives while creating a collaborative network of eating disorder advocates across Europe. The project addresses a critical gap in youth work practice where eating disorders like ARFID are often dismissed as "picky eating" rather than recognized as serious mental health conditions requiring understanding and support. By using non-formal education methods and peer-led approaches, we create accessible learning experiences that resonate with young people's lived realities and equip youth workers with practical tools for addressing these sensitive topics in their regular programming.

Project partners (6)