International Training Course "Debating for Mental Wellness in Youth Work" in Latvia

Open call for 4 participants from Italy to attend the international training course "Debating for Mental Wellness in Youth Work" in Latvia from 20-29 of September. the project is co-funded by Erasmus+ program of the European Union.

 

About the Project

Mental health has become an important issue in the European Union, with a large number of young people experiencing mental health challenges. This issue is provided in more documentation. According to a report by the European Commission, mental health problems are the leading cause of disability in the European Union. In 2018, mental and behavioral disorders accounted for 22.7% of the total healthy years of life lost in the European Union. Another study, from Eurostat, found that nearly 84 million people in the European Union reported suffering from a mental health problem in 2019. This is about 18% of the EU population. The same Eurostat study found that women were more likely to report mental health problems than men. In 2019, 22% of women in the European Union reported suffering from a mental health problem, compared to 14% of men. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health in the European Union. A survey by the European Psychiatric Association found that the pandemic has led to an increase in anxiety and depression among people in the European Union. 

Mental health problems can have a significant economic impact. The European Commission estimates that mental health problems cost the EU economy around €600 billion each year in lost productivity and healthcare costs. Mental health is an important issue in the European Union.

 

Project  objectives

-  To raise awareness about mental health issues among youth workers: One of the primary objectives is to increase knowledge and understanding of mental health challenges and their impact on youth workers. This involves providing training sessions, workshops, and educational materials to youth workers to help them recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems.

-  To reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges: Stigma associated with mental health challenges can be a significant barrier to seeking help. An objective of the project is to reduce stigma by raising awareness, promoting positive attitudes toward mental health, and providing information and resources that challenge common misconceptions about mental health.

- To improve access to mental health resources and services: Youth workers may need to refer young people to mental health resources and services. Objectives could include developing partnerships with mental health organizations and service providers, creating a directory of local resources, and increasing the availability of mental health resources and services for youth.

- To promote self-care and resilience among youth workers: Caring for others can be challenging and stressful, so an objective of the project is to encourage self-care and resilience among youth workers. This involves providing resources and training on stress management, self-care techniques, and building resilience to prevent burnout and improve the overall well-being of youth workers.

 

Eligibility

Our target audience includes trainers, educators, youth leaders, youth workers, facilitators, work camp leaders, staff members, people with previous experience in Erasmus+ programme and met the following requirements:

- Aged over 18 years old

- Residents in Italy

- Are interested in the topics of debates, mental well-being and health, and youth work.

- Have a good command of English - minimum B1-B2 level.

- Are available for the whole duration of the training

 

Financial conditions and Benefits

- The accommodation will be in "VIESU NAMS DZIRKAĻI - GUEST HOUSE".

- Participants will be accommodated in double/triple rooms. They will be provided with 3-time food and 1 coffee break per day. The venue provides bed sheets and towels as well.

- The travel costs will be reimbursed for the cheapest and direct way of transport and only under the condition that the participant will take part in the whole project. The travel costs will be reimbursed up to 245 EUR for the participants from Italy.

- Participants travel from Riga to the project venue in Ventspils on 20 September, as well as their departure from Ventspils to Riga on 29 September, will be organized by the host organization. The cost of those trips (30 Eur/person) will be deducted from the total reimbursement amoun-  Have a big motivation for participation.

Note: Participants' pick up will be organized from Riga city centre on 20 September, approximately at 19:00. Participants' departures from the venue to Riga city centre on 29 September will be provided by the organizers as well.

- YouthPass certificate for all the participants

Further details

- Participants are self-responsible for acquiring travel insurance valid for the whole duration of the project, which preferably, also flight cancellation/rescheduling.

Note: Having valid travel/health insurance valid in the territory of Latvia is MANDATORY. (European Health Insurance Card is Enough as travel insurance).

- Only the cheapest tickets will be reimbursed. Tickets with deviation from the direct route, extra unnecessary stops and layovers will not be reimbursed. We don’t cover seat reservation fees, leisure plus tickets, flexible tariff tickets, extra travel insurance, etc. Only 1 piece of checked-in baggage of a maximum of 15-23 kg will be covered.

- Only the cheapest tickets will be reimbursed. Tickets with deviation from the direct route, extra unnecessary stops and layovers will not be reimbursed. We don’t cover seat reservation fees, leisure plus tickets, flexible tariff tickets, extra travel insurance, etc. Only 1 piece of checked-in baggage of a maximum of 15-23 kg will be covered.

- You can arrive 1-2 days before the activity and depart 1-2 days after if you want to spend more time in Latvia on your own, provided that the tickets on these days are not more expensive than on the official travel days.

- There is a free WiFi network in the hotel territory. Nevertheless, for your own convenience, we highly advise buying a Sim card.

 

Things to bring

-  Valid international bio-metric passport for travel / ID

- Travel insurance

- All required travel documents

- Comfortable shoes, outdoor suits, and raincoats. Make sure you have extra; Note! Warm clothes

- Laptop (at least 1 per national team)

- Personal hygiene items

- Photo cameras and photo/video editing programs you may need

- What can entertain participants during free time, e.g. games, music, small musical instruments, etc.

- Group activities and new ideas are welcome

- Traditional food, drinks, music, dances, songs, etc.

- The medicine you may need, etc.

Timeline

Application deadline: 15 August 

Arrival day: 20 September

Departure day: 29 September

 

How to Apply?

to apply fill the application form from the following link before 15 August 2023

https://forms.gle/NbzrLtdRGiYWD5XQ8