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Nature Based Wellbeing

2026-1-LT02-KA152-YOU-0003959882026Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: LT|BG|IT|EL|TR|MK · Grant: €36,543
Environment and climate changePhysical and mental health, well-beingInclusion of marginalised young people

Objectives

Nature Based Wellbeing responds to a well-evidenced and growing youth wellbeing challenge across Europe. Recent WHO Europe data show a sharp rise in problematic social media use among young people, increasing from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022, alongside 12% at risk of problematic gaming, which raises concerns about stress, burnout symptoms, and unhealthy screen routines in young people. In the EU, social media exposure is extremely high, with 96% of young people engaging in social media on a typical weekday in 2022 and 37% spending more than 3 hours per day, which supports our observation of constant screen exposure in the 18–25 age group as well. At the same time, mental health needs are widespread, with WHO Europe reporting that 1 in 7 adolescents in the Region live with a mental health condition, while services do not always keep pace with demand. Access gaps also remain, with Eurostat reporting that in 2024, 3.6% of people aged 16 or older in the EU who needed a medical examination or treatment had unmet needs due to cost, waiting lists, or distance, which can be a bigger barrier for young people with fewer opportunities. Against this background, youth workers observe nature disconnection, where green spaces exist but are not used for self-regulation, and the EU-level evidence is confirmed by our consultations with young volunteers in all partner organisations, who reported feeling constantly online, mentally overloaded, and unsure how to cope, so Nature Based Wellbeing uses a short, structured, non-clinical Youth Exchange to build low cost coping skills through daily nature-based practice, peer support, and follow-up micro-actions. The first objective focuses on practical ecotherapy skills that young people can actually use. By the end of the mobility, at least 35 out of 42 participants will be able to demonstrate and explain six core ecotherapy practices to a peer using clear method cards. These practices include a five-senses sensory walk, sit spot, mindfulness grounding options, eco journaling, emotion mapping and a simple eco art release activity. The achievement is measured through a peer show and explain check, which keeps assessment light and non-threatening. The concrete output is the Nature Based Wellbeing Pocket Practice Set, consisting of six one-page method cards written in plain language with icons plus six short audio guides recorded by the group using simple phones. The second objective builds a reflection habit which is essential for well-being learning. During the mobility, all 42 participants complete at least five out of seven daily reflection entries using a Mood Meter and guided Nature Journal prompts. Progress is tracked through a simple completion log and learning is captured through anonymous theme clustering rather than personal disclosure. The output is a Reflection Pack with reusable templates that partners can apply in future youth activities. The third objective strengthens peer support and inclusion which is critical for participants with fewer opportunities. By Day three, each national group forms mixed country Peer Support Pods of four to five people. Each pod meets four times during the week for short structured check-ins using clear listening rules and one shared coping tip. Every participant with fewer opportunities is paired with a buddy and supported through visual schedules, opt-out options, calm corners and daily check- ins by group leaders. Success is measured through an endline survey where at least eighty percent of participants with fewer opportunities confirm that they felt included and safe to participate. The output is a one-page Peer Support Pod Guide including prompts and guidance on how to react if someone feels overwhelmed. The fourth objective ensures transfer to daily life beyond mobility. By the final day, all participants complete a Personal Ecotherapy Plan covering a four-week period with two weekly practices, a stress trigger response plan and one accountability buddy. At the seventh month, online check-in, at least thirty participants will report having followed their plan for two or more weeks. The output is a simple fillable plan template with a low-text version adapted for fewer opportunity participants. The fifth objective focuses on small-scale local multiplication rather than ambitious outreach. By Month nine, each partner delivers one local Nature and Wellbeing Micro Action reaching at least twelve young people, with a target of forty percent participants with fewer opportunities where feasible. These actions are limited to ninety minutes and use only the Pocket Practice Set to ensure feasibility. Each activity is documented through a one-page mini report, including participation numbers, inclusion notes, photos with consent, and three lessons learned. This approach keeps the project realistic while still ensuring visible impact.

Project partners (6)