“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!