Fostering mindfulness and strengthening youth mental health capacity in the post-Covid time recovery

<< Background >>We applied for the project in response to the urgent and escalating mental health crisis among young people, exacerbated by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and other stressors, particularly in regions affected by conflicts and geopolitical tensions. The OECD (2021) highlights a significant increase in mental health issues among young people, with symptoms of depression and anxiety doubling or more in many countries. The impact of social isolation, disrupted access to mental health services, and the uncertain post-Covid and war times at the Eastern EU border have created a pressing need for additional mental health support.Research indicates that optimistic thinking, trusting relationships, and physical activity are protective factors for mental well-being. However, the lack of social interactions and limited access to mental health services have hindered young people's ability to cope effectively. Recognizing the importance of timely intervention and support, we applied for the project to address these needs and contribute to the psychological resilience of young people.The YOUHEAL project came to provid easy access to open-source learning content for self-care.<< Objectives >>The project's objectives were to:•use 5 focus groups in all partner countries to develop 1 list of common challenges that identify current issues youngpeople are facing in the post-Covid era, improving their digitalisation capabilities within lifelong learning for prosperouspersonal progress, as well as changing their mindset (20 individuals in each country, >100 individuals)•develop 1 e-course using micro-training and storytelling, ensuring that individuals acquire the knowledge, skills andcompetences for personal growth•create training material for self-learning with the help of coaching, which will cover visualization for empowerment,techniques to decrease stress, power to change, etc.•develop 1 e-lesson (guide, e-book): support the developed training material for efficient and effective self-learning andpersonal growth•perform e-training for learners: testing and validation of 1 e-lesson (guide, e-book), support the developed training materialfor effective self-learning and personal growth•perform 5 multiplier events and dissemination activities•organisational and stakeholder networking with >3 MoU signed<< Implementation >>The project implementation involved a series of activities to achieve its objectives:We have organized 5 focus groups across partner countries to identify common challenges faced by young people in the post-Covid era and enhance their digitalization capabilities within lifelong learning.- We have created a platform and an e-course using micro-training and storytelling techniques to empower individuals with knowledge, skills, and competencies for personal growth.We have developed an e-book as part of the e-lesson, providing guidance and resources for efficient and effective self-learning and personal growth.- We have conducted one staff mobility program in Graz, Austria, to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among project partners, testing and improving the content of the e-course.- We have organized one youth mobility program in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia, to provide young participants with opportunities for using the tools and content for self-care that we have created.- We held 7 multiplier events to disseminate project outcomes, engage stakeholders, and promote awareness of mental health support resources.<< Results >>The project provided several concrete outputs and results:Conducted 5 focus groups to gather insights on post-Covid challenges, serving as a knowledge base for innovative approaches.Developed an e-course covering personal growth, self-confidence, and stress management.Created an interactive web app with attractive training materials for enhanced learning experiences.Produced an e-book for self-learning on personal development topics.Trained 12 staff members and 30 youth participants in digital training methods, coaching, and personal development.Engaged 241 participants in project events, fostering cross-cultural exchange and learning.Disseminated learning activities via YouTube and social media platforms to support trainers, professionals, and NGOs.Issued 42 certificates to recognize participants' competencies gained through the project activities.