Why the Website Was Created
We created this website with a mental health toolkit for youth because young people in Europe are facing significant mental health challenges. Issues such as the pandemic, climate change, wars, high living costs, unemployment, and migration disputes have caused increased depression, anxiety, and stress among youth. This situation is worsening, and the demand for mental health services is exceeding the available trained professionals and resources.
Youth workers, who play a crucial role in supporting young people, often lack the necessary training and resources to provide adequate support. To address this gap, our website offers a comprehensive toolkit designed to equip youth workers with the tools and knowledge they need to assist young people with their mental health, prevent serious issues, and provide early intervention to stop problems from escalating
Vision and Mission
Our project aims to support the mental health of youth workers by creating a network for youth mental health. This network provides ongoing training, resources, and opportunities for collaboration with mental health professionals. Through this initiative, we also seek to raise awareness about the mental health crisis and advocate for necessary funding and policy changes to address the root causes.
Overall, our project strives to enhance youth mental health services by introducing innovative practices and tools. Our approach combines mental health first aid with therapies and holistic practices like those promoted by Ananda Gaorii. The website serves as a central hub for these resources, making it easier for youth workers to access the support they need to effectively help young people and maintain their own well-being.
Background of the Creators
This project is deeply connected with Ananda Gaorii, a spiritual and educational community that emphasizes holistic well-being. Located in Denmark, Ananda Gaorii offers a unique environment that integrates yoga, meditation, and sustainable living practices. By incorporating the principles and practices of Ananda Gaorii, our toolkit not only addresses mental health from a clinical perspective but also includes holistic approaches that promote overall well-being. The community’s experience in fostering mental peace and resilience through yoga and meditation is a vital component of the resources provided on our website.
Our initiative is supported by Erasmus+, a European Union program dedicated to education, training, youth, and sport. Erasmus+ funds valuable projects like ours, enabling us to develop and disseminate resources that make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and youth workers. After successfully conducting two Erasmus+ training courses on the topic, “A Mental Health Toolkit for Youth Workers,” this website was created as a direct result of those training sessions. This funding has been crucial in allowing us to create and maintain our website, ensuring that youth workers across Europe can access the necessary tools and support to effectively address mental health challenges.
Through Erasmus +, we have collaborated with several European organizations that have significantly contributed to both our projects. Trainers from Stowarzyszenie Osada Możliwości (Poland), Društvo Nega Zemlje in Duha (Slovenia), AMURTEL Romania, and Sončni Gric (Slovenia) have provided valuable workshops on various mental health topics. The content of this website is enriched by their expertise and contributions, making it a comprehensive resource for addressing youth mental health.
Mental Health Toolkit 