Stress? No thanks. Youth workers in balance, ready for youth challenges

The project "Stress? No thanks. Youth workers in balance, ready for youth challenges", coordinated by Gantalcalá, in collaboration with "Hope For Children" CRC Policy Center and 10 other European organizations, has been approved under Action KA153 of the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union.

The project aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide a capacity-building opportunity for youth workers to learn new stress management techniques to apply in their high-pressure work environment. The training course will take place in Marbella, Spain, Oct. 16-23, and will involve 24 youth workers from 3 areas of the EU: Cyprus, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, Italy (South); Bulgaria, Slovakia, Poland, Romania (East); and Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania (Northeast).

The course activities will be divided into 4 blocks:

• Activities will be carried out mainly through non-formal learning methodologies, such as small group and general group work, reflective moments, "Theory of Change" methodology, debates, graphic presentations, audiovisual presentations, digital graphic design, networking, exchange of best practices, theatrical performances and "Theatre of the Oppressed" technique.
• Activities conducted through techniques of self-knowledge and personal and spiritual development, such as mindfulness, yoga, the Amaranta Method and Biodanza, as well as components of the outdoors and connection with nature.
• Activities will be developed through energizing, team-building, folklore performances and food tasting, cultural visits and contact with local agents.
• Activities focused on evaluation and reflection on the learning achieved.

One of the main outcomes of the project is the "Stress? No, thanks SEAL", a digital decalogue developed by youth workers during the course, which will be disseminated among European organizations. Through this tool, willing entities will commit to follow specific guidelines (including practices, attitudes, behaviors and skills development) for establishing a stress-free and mental health-friendly environment in their workspaces.