Find Your Inner Peace!

This youth exchange project brings together young people from seven EU countries, alongside representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to explore and address key issues surrounding mental health, physical well-being, and healthy habits. Through a series of eight interactive, non-formal learning activities, participants will gain valuable skills and knowledge to improve their mental and physical health while promoting a culture of well-being within their communities. Over the course of the exchange, participants will engage in discussions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative activities, gaining practical experience and insights into managing stress, mental health, and adopting healthy lifestyles.

THE NEEDS AND ISSUES OF THE PROJECT:

Mental Health Awareness and Support: The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened mental health challenges for many young people, including increased stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation. This youth exchange will provide a platform to discuss these issues and share coping strategies through activities like sports, yoga, and group discussions.
The Role of Physical Activity and Well-being: Physical health and mental well-being are closely linked, yet many young people struggle to maintain healthy lifestyles. The exchange will explore how sports and physical activity can be used to promote mental health, relaxation, and stress relief.
Promoting Inclusivity and Support for Vulnerable Youth: The exchange focuses on empowering young people with fewer opportunities, providing them with the tools and experiences to become leaders and advocates for mental health and well-being in their own communities. This includes participants who have not previously been involved in Erasmus+ projects.
Cultural Exchange and Learning: By engaging in intercultural activities, participants will develop a deeper understanding of each other’s backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and fostering solidarity across Europe.

Objectives:
Enhance Knowledge andSkills on Mental Health Protection:
● Improve participants’ awareness of mental health issues, including common challenges faced by young people (such as stress, depression, and anxiety) and the importance of protecting mental health.
● Promote active sports, yoga, and healthy habits as effective mechanisms for maintaining mental well-being.
Explore the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health:
● Reflect on the negative psychological effects of the pandemic, including stress, isolation, and anxiety.
● Share personal experiences and coping mechanisms related to the challenges faced during the pandemic.
Exchange Best Practices for Supporting Youth in Health and Well-being:
● Share national practices, tools, and methods for supporting youth in managing their mental and physical health.
● Show case positive examples of mental health initiatives across the EU and discuss the role of youth work in promoting well-being. Raise Awareness Through a Public Health Campaign:
● Organize a public campaign to raise awareness about the importance of mental health protection through active sports, yoga, and meditation.
● Create multimedia materials, including posters and social media content, to promote the message of mental well-being and healthy lifestyles.
Promote Inclusivity and Support for Youth with Fewer Opportunities:
● Ensure that participants from disadvantaged backgrounds are actively involved and supported, empowering them to become leadersand advocates for positive change.
● Provide opportunities for these young people to engage with Erasmus+ and develop skills that will support their future involvement in European projects.
Develop Organizational Capacities and Networks for NGOs:
● Strengthen the capacity of participating NGOs by promoting new leadership skills, fostering collaboration, and creating long-term partnerships.
● Enhance organizational visibility and public support by highlighting their role in promoting mental health, well-being, and non-formal education.
Create Long-lasting Impact Through Follow-up Activities:
● Ensure sustainability by sharing project results and outputs (e.g., campaign materials, best practices) through follow-up activities, including dissemination to local authorities, decision-makers, and the broader community.
● Encourage ongoing collaboration among participants, organizations, and stakeholders to continue promoting mental health and active lifestyles.

Participant’s profile:

• 18+ years old;
• Has Romanian Nationality or Valid Residence Permit in Romania;
• Has interest to the topic of the project;
• Interested in incorporating creativity into youth work;
• Is open to diversity and interculturality;
• A person who has experience and enthusiasm of youth programs
• Assume that they will share with others the knowledge, attitudes and abilities learned, and that they will be actively involved in all stages of the project

In the process of selection will prevail:

• Fitting in the participants’ profile;
• Motivation to participate and the quality of the application;
• Euroactive NGO active volunteers and the members of the communities we are activating in have priority;
• Gender balance;

Number: 5 participants(18-30 years old)+1 group leader(18+ years old)

The selection results will be sent by email to all candidates at the latest 3.12.2024;

Green travel, which according to Erasmus+ rules refers to traveling primarily by low-emission means such as bus, train, or carpooling instead of flying, is encouraged for all participants.

Costs:

1. The participation costs (accommodation, food, materials etc.) will be covered by the organizers. Also, the transportation will be reimbursed according with the attached Info-pack and Erasmus+ regulations (maximum 320 euro/participant for green travel, maximum 275 euro/participant for non green travel).

2. The selected candidates must advance the amounts necessary to cover the transport costs to the place of the course, using the cheapest means of transportation: train ticket (2nd class), bus etc.

3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be covered from your own expense.

4. An amount of 25 euro will be perceived by the sending organization as a co-financing of the participant to the project (not applied to Euroactive volunteers and young people with fewer opportunities).

Application procedure:

1. Carefully read through the info-pack and participant contract to make sure you understand the project details and requirements.

2. Complete the application form with accurate and complete information. We strongly advise you to fill out the application form by yourself and to be honest and original in your responses. The purpose of the application is to get to know you better and to understand why you are interested in our project. It is important that your application reflects your own thoughts and ideas.

3. Submit your application before the deadline. Please note that late applications may not be considered.

4. After the application deadline has passed, we will notify you of the results by email. Please check your email regularly and also your spam folder in case our email gets filtered there.

5. If you are selected to participate in the project, you will be required to sign the participant contract within 3 days and send it back to us via email. Please read the contract carefully and ensure that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions before signing.

6. You will also need to send a contribution fee of 25 euros to our association account. If you are a young person with fewer opportunities and cannot afford to pay the contribution, please contact us to request an exception. We may require documentation to support your request. Please note that when you sign and submit the participant contract, you will also need to attach proof of payment for the contribution of 25 euros.

7. Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you will be ready to participate in the project. We will provide you with all the additional instructions or guidelines to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable experience.

Thank you for your interest in our project, and we look forward to hearing from you!

For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

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