“Participating in the Mental Health First Aid Kit for youth workers project has been life-changing for me. Normally, big groups of people terrify me, most of the time I feel unsafe around people, it’s hard for me to relax and act naturally for myself. But after coming to Puig-Reig I quickly found myself in a state of peace and joy.
The project gave me an unforgettable feeling – it turns out that being with people can be better than being alone. And, it turns out, I lacked this kind of people to fully support my students. Because it is very difficult to help others while you need help and support yourself.
In addition to personal transformation, the project provided me with a number of ideas and techniques on how to support myself and others. Yes, something I knew before. Yes, something I could have found on my own in other sources. But thanks to the project, these techniques became closer to me, clearer, I was able to experience the full benefit of them, I gained concrete skills.
Now I no longer get anxious when I hear the term “active listening” (because I felt on the project how it REALLY should be experienced), I have a much clearer sense of my own boundaries and my own limitations, I fully realized the joy of shared responsibility. I have found it easier to recognize my emotions, feelings and thoughts, to see, accept and appreciate people for who they are.
Words are so small to communicate everything that I feel about my experience on the project. I am overflowing with gratitude and love. I believe this is the best professional and personal state for a youth worker. Enormous thanks to the organizers of the project and all my co-participants for this!”
Marina Ditina
“Participating in this Erasmus+ training course focused on mental health has been an incredibly enriching experience both personally and professionally. I had the best experience, surrounded by inspiring people and creating unforgettable memories. This program provided me with valuable insights and practical skills that I can now apply in my teaching practice in Estonia.
The sessions on mental health strategies were particularly impactful, equipping me with the tools to support my students more effectively and fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
I wholeheartedly recommend training courses like this one to anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of mental health and seeking professional growth. The opportunity to engage with a diverse group of participants and experts from various backgrounds was invaluable.
The collaborative atmosphere and the wealth of knowledge shared have profoundly influenced my approach to education. I am confident that the connections and experiences gained through this project will continue to benefit my students and colleagues alike.“
Alina Smirnova
“This training course offered tools and knowledge about providing mental health first aid to young people. The participants, us, were youth workers, where mostly I recognized three groups: teachers, youth workers in NGOs or youth centers AND specialists (psychotherapists, psychologists).
The trainers were quite balanced, with one offering more calmness with a quiet soothing voice while the other one offered more energy and body consciousness. This was both seen by their styles and the workshops they did.
On a professional level I gained many new tools to use, as well as new breathing techniques and some tests to have in hand while working with youth. On a personal level I made some very good friends, got inspired by people who have either disabilities or other difficulties in life while still being quite active with a go-to attitude. Some of the participants shared some strong stories, others surprised me with their way of bringing joy and absolute authenticity to this life.
It proved to me once again to never judge anyone, no matter the criteria – everyone has their story and their differences, and it is all absolutely fine. The group dynamics and chemistry were quite good.
I 100% invite everyone to take part in Erasmus + projects – the knowledge and information about life and people, the experiences of individuals are something not found in a routine everyday life. Specially I would like to invite people from rural areas or older generations, who may feel stuck in their own bubble every now and then. It might seem like a “getting out of my comfort zone” type of activity(for an Estonian) but in reality that might become (and often does) one’s comfort zone.
P.S. My favourite photo comes from the physical activity – we trained not only our minds but our bodies as well, DAILY.”
Julius Liiv
“In the end of April I was lucky to participate in the training course “Mental Health First Aid Kit” in Barcelona. I was really excited to go there because I work as a summer camp counselor and I had some situations in my professional experience, where I didn’t know how would be appropriate and right to act.
Mental Health is a very big and important issue which should be taken seriously. I think the main thing which I learned professionally during the course is how to act in the time of mental crisis, how to support, how to prevent crisis, and what to do if it already has happened.
We also got explained how to determine mental issues, which kind of mental illnesses there are and what are the differences between them. All of the techniques we learned (for example active listening, mirroring, mindfulness and breathing techniques, etc.) are also applicable to ourselves.
If I speak about personal experience, then for me it was not only training course, but more like a week-long therapy session. I myself went through some mental issues, and with the help of fellow participants and AMAZING trainers I left the course with a feeling of relief. I must say that the environment we were in was very safe and supportive. All people were so open and just great.
The one practice that I will absolutely do myself is conscious movement. It is truly therapeutic. This training course was absolutely amazing and I would suggest it not only for youth workers, but for everyone. Because you never know who around you will need help, and it can be as important as CPR, for example.”
Renata Feizulla