Harmony

-Paul Cézanne, artist

“Harmony” was a 7-day Erasmus+ youth exchange which focused on providing 30 young participants with creative coping methods for improved mental health. Through a combination of art and nature-focused non-formal education activities, participants were equipped with useful tools to enhance their mental wellbeing within a safe, fun and intercultural context.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

• empower with effective coping tools to enhance mental wellness

• establish a nurturing environment for introspection, self-analysis and open communication

• foster a deeper connection with and appreciation for the natural world

• enhance emotional awareness and diminish stress

• encourage creative exploration and self-exploration through artistic expression

• motivate participants to uncover their latent talents, fostering a stronger sense of purpose and self-value

• facilitate cross-cultural dialogue and idea exchange to cultivate unity and strengthen European values

But why art and nature?

Engaging in creative activities, as suggested by The American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), boosts self-worth and reduces depression, anxiety, and stress. These pursuits also increase dopamine levels, promoting happiness. Spending time in nature has a positive impact on mental health; even a short walk in a park significantly reduces stress compared to urban areas.

Our project combined art and nature to foster balance and self-discovery. Through workshops and discussions, participants learned healthy coping mechanisms and emotional literacy. Intercultural exchange reduced isolation and enhanced understanding. By the end, they had skills to improve mental health and raise awareness in their communities.

ISSUES ADDRESSED:

Participants used art, nature and mindfulness techniques to confront a variety of issues including:

• low self esteem and feelings of self worth

• feelings of loneliness

• uncertainty about the future (employment, education, relationships)

• excessive stress and anxiety

• lack of healthy coping mechanisms (self-harm, substance abuse)

• detachment from nature and people

• inability to express emotions, thoughts, desires

• overwhelmed by technology and social media

ACTIVITIES:

The project's activities were designed to help participants reflect on their COVID-19 experience, their mental health needs, their relationship to nature, and how art can be a useful tool for expression, emotional release and self discovery. We provided participants with reflection activities alone and with groups, discussions, debates, art workshops, improvisation theater and role-play activities, collaborative work, and more. They had the opportunity to do all activities in an intercultural and safe setting, free of judgment. They thrived in a natural setting and used nature in diverse and creative ways to rediscover themselves and their purpose.

DISSEMINATION:

To ensure the project's impact was far reaching, ONDE, the project partners and the participants implemented diverse dissemination activities both online and locally. Some of these include:

• more than 20 workshops/activities facilitated by the participants in their local communities

• a project video

• digital booklet highlighting the project, sample activities, and participants local workshops

PARTICIPATING PARTNERS / COUNTRIES:

Officina Nuova Dimensione Europea (ONDE) APS - Italy

DreamTeam AMKE - Greece

ILA - Netherlands

Inspira! - Portugal

ILÊWASI - Spain

To learn more about this youth exchange, sample activities and follow-up results, please download the official booklet below.