From September 8th to 16th, 2023, the serene surroundings of Nasutów, Poland, became the venue for “Move Your Mindset,” a youth exchange project funded by the European Commission. This initiative focused on addressing the most common needs and problems faced by young people in today’s world through a combination of mental health workshops and diverse physical activities.

The project aimed to create a safe space where participants could openly express their feelings, share thoughts, and increase their self-awareness. Expert-led discussions, workshops, and exercises helped participants understand the mechanisms behind daily life problems and learn coping strategies.

Project Highlights

Mental Health Workshops and Physical Activities

Move Your Mindset combined two main components: mental health workshops and physical activities. Participants learned how to take better care of themselves through daily habits and resist societal pressures. The project emphasized the significant impact of sports on health, hoping participants would appreciate this connection.

Sharing Knowledge

Participants prepared and conducted workshops on mental health for high school students in Lublin. This dissemination effort aimed to raise awareness about mental health and provide tools for daily self-care.

Continuous Engagement

Even after the exchange, participants were encouraged to organize workshops on mental health, well-being, or physical activity in their local communities. This ensured the knowledge and experience gained during the exchange continued to benefit others.

Project Structure and Participants

The project involved four organizations from Poland, Hungary, Italy, and Estonia, bringing together 24 participants (5 participants and 1 leader per organization) aged 18-25. The participants were required to have at least a B2 level of English and an interest in mental health and physical activity. Leaders, aged 18 and above, had prior Erasmus+ project experience and demonstrated strong leadership skills.

Focus Areas

Participants developed skills in effective communication, self-esteem, goal management, focus, relaxation, sleep, and maintaining strong relationships. The project also fostered gender balance to enhance group dynamics.

Activities and Outcomes

Educational and Integrative Activities

The daily schedule included diverse physical activities, educational workshops conducted by specialists, integrative activities, and cultural evenings. Participants visited the local town and followed the principles of informal education, including needs assessment, exercise objectives, instructions, discussions, reflections, and evaluations.

Accommodation and Logistics

The Training House Nasutów, located about 12 km from Lublin, provided a peaceful environment for relaxation and concentration. Participants enjoyed three meals per day, coffee breaks between sessions, and shared rooms accommodating 2-3 people.

Travel and Reimbursement

Participants arranged their travel and were reimbursed up to 30 working days after the training, upon presenting all necessary documents. The organizer provided personal accident insurance, while health and travel insurance were the participants’ responsibility.

Key Takeaways

The “Move Your Mindset” project aimed to:

• Increase awareness of global issues and effective coping strategies.

• Emphasize the importance of physical activity for health, well-being, relationships, and belonging.

• Build a healthy approach to environmental, cultural, and social pressures.

• Raise self-awareness and improve soft and interpersonal skills.

• Enhance fitness and introduce various physical activities.

• Improve language skills and foster intercultural understanding.

Final Thoughts

Move Your Mindset was more than just a youth exchange; it was a journey towards greater self-awareness, mental well-being, and a healthier lifestyle. Participants left with new skills, a deeper understanding of themselves, and the ability to positively impact their communities.

For those interested in similar projects, keep an eye out for future initiatives funded by the European Commission, aiming to empower and support young people across Europe.