In November 2024, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, to participate in the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness. Hosted under the Erasmus+ framework, the program aimed to equip youth professionals with the knowledge, empathy, and tools to promote both gender equality and mental health within their local communities. Representing Asociación Go Green, a Spanish organization focused on social inclusion and sustainable community growth, one participant joined the project with the motivation to explore how emotional well-being and equality can coexist as key values in modern youth work.
The course brought together people from different backgrounds who shared a single vision: a society where every individual feels valued, understood, and supported. The training’s goal was not only to raise awareness about gender and mental health issues but also to encourage real, practical change. It highlighted that inclusion begins with understanding and that empathy is as important as education when working with young people.
The Local Context in Spain
In Spain, discussions about mental health and gender equality have become more visible in recent years, especially among young people. However, challenges remain, particularly in small towns and rural areas. Many young people struggle with anxiety, depression, and social pressure, but still hesitate to speak about their emotions openly. Despite the country’s progress in promoting equality, gender stereotypes and cultural expectations continue to shape people’s experiences.
Before the Erasmus+ project, Asociación Go Green had been working mainly on projects related to environmental sustainability and social development. Yet, during their community activities, the team noticed that many young participants were dealing with emotional burnout and a lack of confidence. Some young women faced pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, while many young men were afraid to express vulnerability. It became clear that supporting mental health and promoting equality had to become part of the same mission—because real inclusion is not possible without emotional well-being.
In this context, the opportunity to join an international Erasmus+ course that connected these two themes—gender and mental health—was both timely and necessary. The team hoped to gain new ideas and strategies to bring back to their community and integrate into future projects.
The Training Experience in Benalmádena
The training week in Benalmádena was an experience of deep learning and connection. From the very first day, the atmosphere was filled with openness and respect. The trainers encouraged participants to share personal reflections, create dialogues, and challenge their own assumptions about gender, identity, and well-being.
Each day was dedicated to exploring new aspects of equality and mental health through non-formal education methods. The workshops combined group discussions, creative activities, and simulation games. One exercise asked participants to reflect on gender stereotypes they had experienced or witnessed in their lives. The activity led to honest conversations about how social expectations influence behavior and mental health. It became clear that gender inequality not only limits opportunities but also affects people’s sense of self-worth and emotional stability.
A particularly moving part of the course was the session on emotional awareness and stress management. Participants learned that taking care of their own mental health is essential if they want to support others effectively. The training included mindfulness techniques and reflective practices that helped participants recognize emotional burnout and build resilience.
Visits to local organizations in Benalmádena offered additional inspiration. One youth center shared how they integrate art and storytelling into therapy programs for young people dealing with stress or discrimination. Another local NGO presented a project supporting gender equality through community theatre, giving young people a creative way to express their experiences and emotions. These visits demonstrated how mental health and inclusion can be approached creatively and collaboratively.
The intercultural environment was another highlight of the training. Participants from different European countries shared their perspectives on gender, equality, and well-being, revealing both similarities and cultural differences. These exchanges strengthened the sense of European solidarity and reminded everyone that while challenges may vary, the need for empathy and understanding is universal.
Post-Project Action in Spain
After returning to their hometown, the participant from Asociación Go Green was inspired to create a new local project called “Mind & Equality.” The initiative focused on young people aged 15 to 25 and aimed to combine discussions about mental health with activities that promote gender equality. The idea was born directly from the lessons learned in Benalmádena: that inclusion begins when people feel seen, heard, and supported.
The “Mind & Equality” project began with a series of youth workshops held in community centers and schools. Each session combined two main topics—self-awareness and social awareness. Participants discussed how stereotypes influence emotions and how mental health can improve when equality is practiced in daily life. Activities included group discussions, creative writing exercises, and reflection circles where young people could speak about their experiences safely.
A key element of the project was peer support. Young volunteers trained by Asociación Go Green became “youth ambassadors,” helping others recognize stress, emotional exhaustion, or inequality in their surroundings. The organization also partnered with local psychologists and educators to provide professional guidance.
Social media was used to extend the impact of the project. The team launched a campaign under the hashtag #EqualMindsSpain, sharing positive messages, personal stories, and mental health tips. The online campaign helped normalize conversations about emotions and equality, reaching audiences beyond the local community.
Impact on Youth and Community
The “Mind & Equality” project quickly gained recognition for its fresh and human approach. Young participants shared that they felt more confident to express their emotions and talk about gender-related issues. Many said they had never before participated in an activity where both topics—mental health and equality—were discussed together.
Teachers and youth workers who collaborated with the project reported seeing changes in their students’ attitudes. Classrooms became more inclusive, with students showing more empathy and respect for one another. For some young people, the workshops became a turning point, helping them see that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength.
The project also attracted local media attention and was later presented at a regional youth conference. Representatives from other NGOs expressed interest in adapting the model to their own work. This success confirmed that addressing equality and mental health together can create lasting impact.
For Asociación Go Green, the Erasmus+ training in Benalmádena was more than an educational experience—it was a transformation. The organization expanded its mission to include emotional well-being and human rights as core elements of its work. The knowledge gained during the project now guides its future initiatives, ensuring that every environmental or social action also includes space for empathy and inclusion.
Reflection and Vision for the Future
Looking back, the Erasmus+ project Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness showed that empowerment begins with understanding. It reminded participants that behind every issue—whether environmental, social, or economic—there are human emotions and stories that must be heard.
For the youth worker from Asociación Go Green, the experience in Benalmádena was a lesson in compassion and leadership. It proved that youth work is not just about guiding others, but also about continuous personal growth.
The long-term vision now is to create a Spain where equality and mental health are seen as shared responsibilities, not isolated topics. By continuing to educate, collaborate, and inspire, Asociación Go Green hopes to build communities where young people feel empowered to care—for themselves, for others, and for the society they live in.