Jump to improve your mental health

<< Background >>We applied for this project because we believe that mental health is an issue that needs to be talked about, addressed and resolved among young Europeans.We live in a world where there are several factors in our daily lives that can affect our mental health. With this project we showed several techniques to improve the mental health of young people, we broke stereotypes, we overturned the stigma that exists on the topic of mental health and we encouraged physical exercise and the adoption of healthy practices in the participants' daily lives.We felt it was important to show young people that physical exercise and adopting healthy practices can be used to improve mental health.Our general objective was to contribute to the mental health and well-being of young people through non-formal education and physical exercise tools, developing skills and also contributing to the awareness of the importance of well-being and mental health, at the same time to break stereotypes and prejudices.<< Objectives >>By implementing this project we wanted to:Increase literacy among young people in the field of mental health, breaking prejudices and stereotypes; increase the practice of physical exercise; contribute to the promotion of healthy life habits; bringing young people together and overcoming socio-geographical barriers, promoting intercultural dialogue and diversity, reducing and avoiding social isolation, promoting the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities; to train and encourage young people to: promotethe importance of mental health in its various social spheres and for intercultural dialogue, tolerance and meaningful and active participation in society; reflect on issues of the impact of digitalization on the mental health of young people, while developing digital skills; develop a spirit of initiative and critical thinking among young people; create youth outputs for youth to raise awareness of the importance of mental health; promote healthy lifestyles, promoting quality of life and contact with nature.<< Implementation >>During this project, we implemented 6 activities. 4 of them with mobilities and the other 2 without mobilities:-Kick-off meeting ( Netherlands)-Staff training: Physical Activation Through Outdoor Activities (Portugal)-Staff training: Exploring Art Methods To Empower Mental Health (Turkey)-Study Visit Event: Stress Management Through Body Activities (Macedonia)-Pilot Training Events in Participating Countries-Conferences & Panel Talks<< Results >>With this project, we managed to obtain very good results. We classify this project as a success, where all expectations were met. In short, we can say that we obtained the following results when implementing this project:-We contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.-We implemented healthy lifestyle habits in the participants.-We implemented workshops and IT sessions in local schools where we addressed the topic of mental health and how important physical exercise is.-We successfully addressed the topic of physical exercise for mental health.-We have successfully shown how art and sport can work together to improve mental health, reduce stress and improve quality of life.-We transmit knowledge and techniques to improve mental health to participants.-We contribute to a Europe that is more aware of the issue of mental health.-We carried out several physical group activities that promoted mutual help, inclusion and personal well-being.-We made the local population learn more about the benefits of physical exercise and healthy habits.-We managed to get 70% of participants to adopt healthy lifestyles in their daily lives.-We and all the partner organizations have gained European visibility.