Erasmus+ exchange aimed at improving youth work quality in relation with mental health.
“Stage your Confidence” is an Erasmus+ training course that took place from 20 to 24 April 2026 in Sighișoara, bringing together 24 youth workers from Romania, Spain, Portugal, and Türkiye.
The project aimed to improve the quality of youth work by strengthening competences related to mental health, with a particular focus on anxiety among young people. Through non-formal and experiential learning methods, participants explored psychodrama-based techniques and reflected on how to better support emotional wellbeing in their daily work.
The training also emphasized the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered. Participants deepened their understanding of how mental health influences youth development, participation, and social inclusion, and explored ways to intentionally integrate emotional wellbeing into the design of youth activities.
Additionally, the course promoted personal development, self-awareness, and emotional regulation among participants, helping them better understand their own experiences and reactions when working with young people facing anxiety or other emotional challenges. The international dimension of the project enriched the learning experience by bringing diverse perspectives, cultural approaches, and shared challenges from different countries.
The training programme combined interactive workshops, group dynamics, and reflection sessions.
Participants had the opportunity to practice psychodrama techniques, role-play real-life situations, and explore how anxiety affects young people’s participation, motivation, and learning.
The activities also encouraged the exchange of experiences and good practices between participants, creating a safe space for dialogue, mutual learning, and intercultural exchange.
Moreover, participants engaged in experiential exercises, emotional awareness activities, and group discussions that allowed them to connect theory with practice. Intercultural activities and informal moments further strengthened group cohesion and fostered a sense of community among participants.
The project contributed to strengthening participants’ skills in addressing emotional wellbeing and managing anxiety in youth work. It provided practical tools that can be directly applied in local contexts, improving the quality and inclusiveness of youth activities.
In addition, the training fostered international cooperation and helped build lasting professional connections, supporting the development of more empathetic and resilient youth work practices.
Participants left the training with increased confidence in their professional roles, a deeper understanding of mental health issues, and concrete methods to support young people more effectively. The project also contributed to raising awareness about the importance of mental health in youth work at both local and international levels.
