ERASMUS+, Key Action 1: training course
Venue: Recoaro Terme, Italy
Dates: 12—21 April 2023
Czech team: Kateřina Horáčková, Vojtěch Pražák, Julie Hojdyszová
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: STUDIO PROGETTO
Participating countries: Italy, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania
Project report:
Goals and Objectives of the Project: To tackle the serious issue of mental health by raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and providing tools to cope with anxiety, depression, and other disorders. In addition, we aimed to improve our language skills and learn how to better support those who struggle with mental health challenges.
Activities Undertaken: We embarked on an array of activities, including workshops, team-building exercises, video making, and even a shadow theatre in our native languages. We tackled topics such as how to recognize symptoms of mental illness, how to communicate with people struggling with mental health issues, and how to offer support. There was also a lot activities at the beggining of the day – energizers, to help improve mood for the day.
Results Achieved: Our project was a resounding success, as we left with a newfound understanding of mental health and the tools necessary to tackle the issue head-on. Our language skills were also improved, allowing us to communicate more effectively across borders.
Personal Experience and Reflections: Our experience was eye-opening, as we realized that mental health is a pressing issue that affects people in all corners of Europe. We also discovered that while countries in the north tend to have better resources for tackling mental health, southern countries are lagging behind in terms of education and awareness. And let’s not forget the COVID pandemic, which has only made the situation worse, as specialists paid by insurance companies are booked up for ages.
Overall, our Mental Health Ambassadors project was an enriching and inspiring experience. We laughed, we learned, and we left with a greater sense of purpose and direction. We hope to carry the lessons learned and continue to make strides in the fight for mental health awareness and advocacy.
This part is my own view:
During the past eight days, I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project that was focused on mental health, disorders, taboos, and stigmas. This experience was truly enlightening and enriching for me, both personally and professionally.
As I reflect on the past week, I have confirmed to myself that I am a truly understanding, supportive, sensitive, and kind person. It was also gratifying to hear that those around me recognized my positive energy and appreciated my willingness to help when they were struggling with issues.
One thing that struck me during this experience was how little I initially knew about mental health. However, I soon realized that I actually had a lot of knowledge about the topic, and that I had been applying that knowledge in my daily life without even realizing it. This realization was both empowering and humbling.
Through the project, I learned a great deal about the importance of paying attention to the people around me even more, because you never know who you may meet and what problems they may be struggling with. This realization has given me a new perspective and has allowed me to better understand myself and the people around me. Going forward, I believe that I will be better equipped to offer advice and support to those in my surroundings who may need it.
In conclusion, this Erasmus+ project was an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals from different parts of the world. I feel privileged to have been a part of this experience and am grateful for the valuable lessons and experiences it has given me
Vojtěch Pražák
