Blog
unleashing the potential
of young minds
INCLUDE – INspired LeaDers for Empowered organizations & inclusive communities!
My experience in the Step Up project
Hello, my name is Paula Uz, I am 16 years old and I live in the beautiful city of Lugo, in Galicia, in the north of Spain.
This summer, I had the opportunity to take part in the “Step Up! Youth Mental Health” program — a youth exchange organized by the Lar de Artemis Association, in collaboration with:
● Le Tre Ghinee APS (Italy)
● ROSTO Solidario (Portugal)
● Yelken Gençlik Derneği (Turkey)
● IKAROS Foundation for Active Youth (Romania)
Funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program.
Twenty young participants, two facilitators, and five group leaders from Italy, Portugal, Romania, Turkey, and Spain took part in the exchange.
The meeting was held in July 2025 in my beautiful walled city. From the very first day, it was an incredible experience — we shared breakfast, introduced ourselves, and with the help of the leaders, organized into groups and explored our city through a treasure hunt.
As one of the hosts, my mission was to find a series of unique historical landmarks in my city. I was joined by a group leader and four participants, one from each country. Thanks to this immersive game, I was able to show them some of Lugo’s most meaningful places such as:
● Santo Domingo Square
● Cathedral of Lugo
● Rosalía de Castro Park
● The Roman Wall and the Roman Bridge
This non-formal and inclusive learning space helped us break the ice, share laughter, stories, and experiences, and get to know each other better. I can honestly say it was a step out of my comfort zone, as until then I had never shared this kind of experience with people from other countries.
As a participant, being able to address topics such as youth mental health in a relaxed and creative way — which at first might seem not so appealing at our age — helped me grow. We practiced active listening, put ourselves in other people’s shoes, reflected, expressed our opinions with empathy, shared our personal stories, opened our Pandora’s boxes, and faced fears or situations we might never have imagined before — all in a safe space where we knew we would not be judged.
We approached all these topics from an informal and cultural methods — games, art, painting, dance, theatre, and group presentations. Although I’m used to working in groups, using English as the main language to communicate with people from different countries and cultures opened my horizons. I realized that we are not so different, even if we come from diverse backgrounds, and that the best part of sharing experiences is listening, reasoning, sharing, understanding, and supporting those who need it at the right moment.
Seeing how others perceive your strengths and weaknesses, things you might not even have noticed about yourself, helps you understand who you are and realize that your fears are not as big as they seem and that you can overcome them.
The intercultural nights were one of the highlights of the summer in my city. Sharing long conversations in such a relaxed and friendly environment helped us socialize and connect as participants.
What helped me most in my personal growth process was having the opportunity to design and lead activities, with the guidance and support of the leaders and facilitators. Convincing yourself that you are capable of creating and leading activities gives you a rush of adrenaline. It makes you believe in yourself and see that you have enough potential to do things on your own, not only for yourself but also to positively impact the well-being of others.
Being able to help in the development of society and in the personal growth of many people is, from my point of view, the best way to grow and to contribute a part of yourself — and of the group you share experiences with — to the community, and to do so naturally.
The treatment we received from the organizers throughout the project was exceptional. I would love to keep participating and collaborating with them in the development of new projects, to share what I’ve learned, keep learning, and, of course, to contribute my small part to society.
We truly need this kind of experience, especially among young people, because sometimes we feel judged and undervalued. It often seems like we don’t want to engage with the world around us or get involved in the real problems of our society. One way to show that we do care is by taking part in projects where we have a voice and a choice, where we can listen, share, and contribute our point of view.
I hope to see you all soon in another exciting Erasmus+ project!
Best regards,
Paula Uz
Proposal for Promoting and Supporting Youth Mental Health in the Education System
Our group of young volunteers from Asociacion Lar de Artemis have prepared a public policy proposal for Promoting and Supporting Youth Mental Health in the Education System as a result of their participation in the project “Our minds, Our future”.
The vision and proposals included in the document reflect the needs identified by the direct beneficiaries of the educational system and express their desire to actively contribute to the improvement of public policies in this field.
You may visualize and download the content here:
Thanks to our partners:
- IKAROS Foundation for Active Youth (Rumanía)
- Association of Young Psychologists in Bulgaria “4th April” (Bulgaria)
- Arte e Cultura Sociale (Italia)
Step Up! Youth Mental Health
“Step Up! Youth Mental Health” was a youth exchange organized by Lar de Artemis Association, in collaboration with Le Tre Ghinee APS (Italy), ROSTO Solidario (Portugal), Yelken Gençlik Derneği (Turkey) and IKAROS Foundation for Active Youth (Romania), and funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.
What was the aim?
The project created a non-formal and inclusive learning space for 20 young people aged 16–24 and 5 group leaders from the 5 participating countries. In July, over 6 days in Lugo, participants reflected, shared experiences, and acquired tools related to youth mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience, while also fostering youth leadership, mutual support and personal growth.
The innovative part of the project was that the young participants themselves designed and led the activities, becoming the true protagonists, supported by their group leaders and two facilitators.
Project Objectives
- Raise awareness about mental health issues affecting European youth.
- Strengthen the capacity of partner organisations to support young people with fewer opportunities, especially after the pandemic.
- Promote active participation in Erasmus+ projects and community initiatives.
Activity Topics
- Anxiety and depression in adolescents and young people.
- Identifying and managing emotions.
- Triggers and how to cope with them.
- Non-violent communication and active listening.
- Social media addiction and nutritional health.
- Body–mind connection (role play, mindfulness, dance).
- Therapeutic workshops with painting and clay.
- Mindful walk on the Camino de Santiago.
- Treasure hunt in Lugo and intercultural nights.
Results and Learning Outcomes
The participants:
- Learned to recognise and manage emotions through tools such as the emotion wheel and the emotional diary.
- Gained deeper understanding of disorders such as anxiety and depression, exploring healthy coping strategies.
- Strengthened skills in communication, empathy, leadership and teamwork.
- Experienced resilience through a one-day walk along the Camino de Santiago.
At the end of the exchange, the participants co-created a brochure with the key aspects of the project, practical tools for mental health (emotion wheel, diary, mindfulness), personal reflections, and artistic contributions. It is a resource to share with other young people, schools, and organisations.
See the brochure here.
Local Support
The project was made possible thanks to the collaboration of:
- Casa da Xuventude, which hosted participants during several days.
- Bar Ateneo, a cultural space that welcomed and supported the activities.
- Hotel Brios, which not only provided accommodation but also created a warm and friendly environment for informal gatherings.
A big thank you to all the organizations and people who made this project possible!
Festival “Our Minds, Our Future”
The “Our Minds, Our Future” Festival was the final event of the project, held at Café Ateneo in Lugo with the enthusiastic participation of young people and the dedicated support of the Lar de Artemis team.
Across both days, more than 60 participants joined, including students, teachers, association members, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and community members.
Across both days, more than 60 attendees joined the two days, including students, teachers, association members, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and community members.
The festival featured a wide range of dynamic activities. Participants engaged in open conversations about what mental health means to them, whether it should be recognized as a fundamental right, and what kind of mental health support is truly needed in schools and communities. These discussions created a space for sharing experiences and ideas, identifying challenges, and proposing meaningful changes in an open and respectful environment.
One of the most impactful moments was an art therapy session centered on resilience. In this practical workshop, participants explored ways to cope with potential difficult life events and strengthen their emotional inner resources—offering young people practical tools to face mental health struggles.
Another reflective activity, inspired by Jungian art therapy, invited everyone to explore their inner “self” and confront the hidden parts of themselves—often called the “shadow”—through creative expression and guided self-discovery.
The festival also included a forest bathing walk, offering time to relax and reconnect with nature. During the walk, participants reflected on mental health challenges, shared self-help techniques, and practiced calming breathing exercises surrounded by nature’s peace.
To close the event, the Erasmus+ programme was presented, followed by a discussion on the project’s Action Plan and the future steps to keep supporting mental health among youth.
Study Visit “Our minds, our future”
As the follow-up to our “Youth Taking Action” mobility in Bucharest, the two-day Study Visit in Lugo during December of 2024, brought together 8 participants from each country (Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, and Spain) to delve deeper into school-based mental health strategies in northern Spain. The goal was to observe best practices and adapt them into each country’s Action Plans for local schools.
They visited the high school San Xillao in Lugo, where they discovered how a dedicated wellness teacher and a guidance counselor work alongside an elected student council to put mental health at the heart of school life. Students can anonymously report bullying via bright orange inboxes, and anyone flagged as at-risk is accompanied by a teacher for safety and referred, when needed, to free public therapy. Rather than punishment, the school favors prevention: group therapy, art, and sports workshops, and creative “safe-space” activities (from extended library hours to video-game sessions) help students build resilience. Staff well-being is also championed through mindfulness, yoga, and ongoing training in trauma, diversity, and inclusive practices.
At CIFP Politécnico in Lugo, participants explored the “Youth Aware of Mental Health” (YAM) program—five immersive sessions over three weeks led by psychology-trained instructors that offer a confidential, judgment-free space for students to tackle topics like depression, stress, moral dilemmas, and even dramatized suicide attempts. The school also prioritizes well-being through thoughtfully designed communal areas (cafeteria, library, hallway seating) and a mandatory “Health and Family Interventions” course. Its leadership also fosters a culture of openness, encouraging students to raise concerns directly with teachers, tutors, or administrators.
Youth Taking Action – Our Minds, Our Future
As part of the Our Minds, Our Future project, the mobility “Youth Taking Action ” took place in Bucharest, Romania, bringing together young people and decision-makers from Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, Italy, and Denmark.
The focus of this event was the importance of mental health support in schools and universities. Over several days, 26 young participants and 6 decision-makers worked together to explore the challenges and needs around psychological counseling in education.
Through interactive workshops, discussions, and creative activities, the group developed ideas and solutions to strengthen mental health services and create better communication between youth and authorities.
This mobility marked a small step toward empowering young voices and promoting mental wellbeing in educational environments across Europe.
Event Green & Sustainability
As part of the Green & Sustainability event, a member of the Lar de Artemis Association had the opportunity to participate in this initiative organized by Next Generation (based in Macedonia) in collaboration with the Pilcrow Association (headquartered in Spain). The event, held in Alicante, Spain, from October 13 to 21, brought together participants from six countries: Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Macedonia, and Spain, creating a multicultural and diverse environment that enriched each activity and workshop.
During this week of exchange, activities focused on environmental sustainability, ecological awareness, and the role of communities in protecting the environment. This project, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, aimed to create a space for learning and action for young people interested in environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable practices. Attendees shared unique perspectives on environmental challenges in their countries, bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to tackle global problems at a local level.
The program included practical workshops, talks, and group dynamics that covered topics such as waste management, circular economy, and the impact of climate change. Participants explored new ways to live more consciously and responsibly towards the environment, all within a collaborative and mutually supportive learning environment. Success stories from green projects were also presented, showcasing how small actions can make a significant impact on the community and the natural environment.
The experience was a unique opportunity to connect young people with environmental professionals and foster teamwork to create local solutions to global problems. The event concluded with a shared commitment: to continue promoting green actions and foster a support network to keep developing sustainable projects that benefit everyone.
Participating in the “Green & Sustainability” event was an incredibly enriching experience, especially due to the cultural exchange generated among participants from different countries. Being able to connect with people from Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Macedonia, and Spain was a unique opportunity to understand different perspectives and approaches to environmental care, each shaped by the realities of their respective countries.
During the workshops, conversations, and debates with other participants, my eyes were opened to various ways of tackling environmental issues, from Germany’s recycling policies to the clean energy innovations being developed in Slovenia and the importance of preserving natural spaces in Macedonia. These interactions made me reflect on how to adapt some of these ideas to our local reality in Spain.
The most valuable part of this experience was precisely that exchange of ideas and the collaboration with young people from different cultures, all sharing the same goal of building a greener future. I leave with new friendships, a more open mind, and plenty of ideas to put into practice in our association.
Connection with Nature Workshop and SDGs
The Lar de Artemis team organized a vibrant workshop during the celebration of San Juan, blending creativity, education, and a deep connection with nature. Participants, including volunteers and young workers, practiced watercolor painting using collected plants as inspiration. This activity not only promoted artistic skills but also fostered an appreciation for the environment.
The event was both educational and immersive, teaching participants about the ecological importance of the plants they used. They also celebrated the summer solstice with a traditional bonfire, connecting with ancient customs and highlighting nature’s role in human rituals.
An essential part of the workshop was the discussion on the European Commission’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ecological practices. The team emphasized how their activities supported:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Offering educational and creative experiences.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting the use of sustainable materials.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Inspiring actions to combat climate change.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Encouraging respect for and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
Participants left with not only beautiful artworks but also a deeper understanding of their natural environment and a commitment to the European Commission’s SDGs and ecological practices.
“Our Minds, Our Future” – KA1 Erasmus+ Youth Participation Activity
“Our Minds, Our Future” is an Erasmus+ KA1 Youth Participation Activity aimed at fostering dialogue between young people and decision-makers on the importance of psychological counseling services in high schools and universities. The upcoming mobility in Bucharest will gather 26 young participants and 6 decision-makers from Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, Italy, and Denmark.
Each partnering organization will send 5 young participants and will also dispatch 1 decision-maker to Bucharest.
Current Activities
Our associations are currently delivering local training sessions focused on youth participation and civic citizenship. They have developed a manual to help young people understand active citizenship, human rights, responsibilities, governance, and activism. This tool aims to empower youth to identify community problems and effectively voice their concerns as active citizens.
Check out the manual here:
Youth Participation and Active Citizenship ManualKey Learning Outcomes
Understanding Mental Well-being: Deepen your understanding of mental well-being, its importance, and ways to address associated stigmas.
Hosting Webinars: Gain skills in hosting webinars, using them as tools for education and advocacy.
Campaign Development: Learn to develop impactful campaigns that inform and challenge misconceptions about mental health.
Leadership Skills: Cultivate leadership skills through simulations and exercises, boosting confidence and effectiveness.
Communication Abilities: Enhance communication skills to facilitate dialogue with policymakers and peers, advocating for mental health.
Supportive School Environment: Collaborate to create a supportive school environment that promotes inclusivity and understanding.
Youthpass Recognition: Receive acknowledgment for your contributions through Youthpass, recognizing personal and project achievements.
Erasmus+ Opportunities: Explore opportunities provided by Erasmus+, broadening your horizons through intercultural experiences and connections.