Cyprus
At ACPELIA's Presentation of Recent Actions & General Electoral Assembly on the 24th of May 2026, Erma and Bobbie, two members of the training team of the project, gave a follow-up presentation on their experience at the youth exchange, which originally took place in Vienna, Austria. The original training course focused on connecting with the environment and promoting mental health through connection with nature. It aimed to teach participants how to use natural resources and use them directly for a positive impact on mental well-being.
Links to the posts on social media:
Gavriela:
LinkedIn post:
Participants' impressions from the project:
Gavriela:
Between the 18th and 28th of February I had the opportunity to participate in the PEMEHECON: Protect the Environment and Your Mental Health with Your Connection with Nature training, which took place in Vienna, Austria. The organization of the project along with the facilitators' enthusiasm and deep knowledge on the topic, made this experience unforgettable. During the training we strongly emphasized the connection between our mental well-being, nature, and self-awareness, inviting us to slow down and reconnect with our inner world. Through creative activities such as clay play, drawing, guided reflection, and nature-based exercises, I explored forms of expression that we often lose touch with as adults. The training created a safe space for introspection, emotional awareness, and creativity, highlighting how these elements can support self-expression and wellbeing. Conclusively, I left with a deeper understanding of the importance of including these methods in non-formal education and youth work.