"Peer Support Works Out" exchange
Life nowadays is full of stress, and because of this, young people and teenagers often experience depression, anxiety, and despondency. What should we do about all this? How can we protect ourselves from stress? How can we help people around us? How can we eliminate the negative consequences? This was the theme of the "Peer Support Works Out" exchange.
From June 20 to 29, the organization "Good Will" participated in the European youth exchange "Peer Support Works Out," organized by our Croatian partner @proniyouth @info_centar_za_mlade_osijek. The event aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues among young people and to exchange various methods and techniques used in different communities.
The exchange took place in the picturesque village of Pirovac on the Croatian coast. Participants from Italy, Spain, Belarus, Poland, Ukraine, Croatia, and America enjoyed the hospitality of PRONI and actively participated in all the planned activities, which included daytime activities and international evenings aimed at exchanging cultural aspects of the participants' lives. Each day, representatives from different countries organized various workshops and activities focused on mental health.
Our day began with energetic dances and learning the basics of the popular Polish dance – the polka. Then, we conducted the art therapy "City of Emotions," during which we visualized different emotional states using visual elements of a city. Participants also underwent a stress test, and during the game "Clock Face," they had the opportunity to talk one-on-one on various topics, such as nature, friends, family, the future, and more.
This program provided us with significant experience through the exchange of knowledge with participants from other countries. We learned many new ways and methods to cope with certain mental aspects of life, how to help young people and others raise and address important issues related to this.
Throughout the exchange, interesting activities dedicated to emotions took place, such as art therapy, role-playing games, yoga and mindfulness, meditation, nature walks, and even beach activities. Many discussions about mental health and current psychological problems were held, where all participants could express their opinions and actively participate in the discussions.
We would also like to highlight the hospitality of the hosting organization PRONI. The accommodation and food were of the highest standard. The food was prepared on-site by the organizers and included both meat-eating and vegetarian and vegan options. There was always cold water in the refrigerator for everyone to use, which was essential during the hot Croatian summer days. Irena and Maja, representatives of PRONI, were always ready to help, talk, support, and address any concerns, which greatly improved communication and the exchange of ideas.
We returned home not only with new friends but also with a deeper understanding and expression of our emotions and those of others, a sense of positive self-perception, and mindfulness. We definitely stepped out of our comfort zone, not realizing we were entering an even more comfortable zone, and we made the most of this opportunity for personal growth.
