Escape to Wellbeing!

"<< Background >>The global pandemic triggered a crisis that profoundly impacted millions of lives, not only due to the disease itself but also because of widespread job losses, financial instability, postponed mourning, rising inequalities, and, most notably, uncertainty. In the aftermath of this health, social, and economic turmoil, we are facing another crisis—one of mental health issues.Naturally, not everyone was affected in the same way. The degree of risk varies based on factors such as age, gender, occupation, socioeconomic background, personal circumstances, and available resources. However, research indicates that individuals under 30 were among the most vulnerable to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, mood swings, emotional exhaustion, sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress, and an increase in suicidal behavior. This latter issue encompassed a spectrum of self-harming tendencies, from suicidal ideation and threats to attempts and actions.The prolonged isolation caused by COVID-19, the heated debates surrounding vaccination, and the ongoing war in Ukraine have exacerbated social integration challenges across Europe. The project offered a simple way for YP to think about improving their mental well-being.<< Objectives >>The prolonged isolation caused by COVID-19, combined with the ongoing war in Ukraine, has significantly impacted young people across Europe, leading to noticeable negative changes in their behavior and habits. Many have become more withdrawn, socialize less, and have lower expectations for the future.Well-being is commonly understood as a holistic concept encompassing lifestyle behaviors that enable individuals to reach their full potential. It is often described as multidimensional, with various aspects forming an interconnected whole. Most well-being models include multiple dimensions, such as social, emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, psychological, occupational, and environmental factors. Well-being, therefore, is shaped by behaviors that support growth across these dimensions.This project aimed to contribute to this innovative perspective by addressing well-being through seven key areas: Mindfulness Digital Entrepreneurship Sustainability Civil and Human Rights Mental Health Art and Creativity InclusionThese objectives were achieved via the creation of an APP to involve young people in thinking about their mental well-being and taking steps to improve it.<< Implementation >>We implemented the following activities:Created a logoLearned about Escape RoomsLearned how an APP is designed and createdCreated a project websiteCreated social media platformsDesigned and created APP imagesDesigned and created APP pages and questionsHad a number of meetings to test the APPHad a number of meetings to meet with young people and involve them in the design and implementation of the APPHeld a number of informal talks in partner countries to discuss mental well-being as well as test and critique the APPCreated a mural involving a number of young people to express words about mental well-beingHeld a number of online and face to face meetings to discuss the progress project (traveled to Ireland, Italy and Poland)Delivered a very successful final event, Conference, in Poland<< Results >>A well-being APP in six languages which can be used by Young People to improve their mental well-being and inform them of other services available to them, and things they should consider when thinking of improving their well-being.Six organisations from around the EU have become aware of 'Escape Room' style APP design and development as well as gaining improved project management, communication, dissemination, marketing, conflict resolution and other skillsHeld a number of informal talksImproved the key competences of the youngster/youth trainees as well the partner organizations, through a deepeningof knowledge about wellbeing related to Mindfulness, Digital Entrepreneurship, Sustainability , Civil and Human rights ,Mental health , Art and Creativity and InclusionDefined a referential and inspiring set of ""success stories"" that increased wellbeing among young people through theirTrainingStrengthened the link between, NGOs, companies, Youth centers, universities in a European dimension;Created a beautiful mural which will be the legacy of the project"