In November 2024, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, to take part in the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness. Organized under the Erasmus+ programme, this international project aimed to help youth professionals strengthen their capacity to promote inclusion, equality, and well-being among young people. Representing Copernicus Berlin from Germany, one youth worker joined the training with a strong motivation to learn how to integrate mental health awareness into daily youth work and to better support gender equality within local communities.
The program provided a unique opportunity to reflect on two issues that are often treated separately but deeply connected—mental health and gender equality. Through interactive workshops and intercultural dialogue, participants explored how emotional well-being, empathy, and equality are essential to building stronger, more inclusive societies.
Local Context in Germany
In Germany, discussions around gender equality and mental health have become increasingly visible, especially among young people. The growing awareness, however, still faces barriers rooted in stereotypes and cultural expectations. Despite strong legal frameworks promoting equality, everyday experiences often tell a more complex story. Many young people, regardless of gender, struggle with social pressure, anxiety, and self-doubt. The fast pace of modern life, academic expectations, and the influence of social media have intensified these challenges.
Before taking part in the training, Copernicus Berlin had already been involved in educational projects focusing on diversity, empowerment, and social inclusion. Yet, the organization’s youth workers noticed a recurring pattern: many participants were dealing with stress, fear of failure, or low self-esteem. Mental health was an issue often left unspoken, particularly among young men who felt social pressure to appear “strong.” At the same time, discussions about gender equality were still met with mixed reactions in some circles, often misunderstood as being relevant only to women.
This situation made the Erasmus+ project highly relevant for Germany’s current youth work landscape. The participant from Copernicus Berlin hoped to gain new perspectives on how to bridge the gap between mental health awareness and equality education, ensuring that both are treated as interconnected parts of human development.
Training Experience in Benalmádena
The week-long training in Benalmádena offered an immersive and transformative experience. Each day was built around a mix of group discussions, workshops, and creative activities. The learning atmosphere encouraged openness, curiosity, and mutual respect. Participants came from different countries, but they quickly discovered that the challenges they faced in their communities were surprisingly similar.
The first days of the program focused on understanding the link between gender stereotypes and mental well-being. Through role-playing exercises, participants explored how rigid gender norms affect self-expression and emotional health. It became clear that expectations like “boys don’t cry” or “girls must be perfect” harm not only individuals but entire communities. These reflections helped participants see equality not as a distant political goal but as a daily practice of kindness, empathy, and listening.
Workshops on emotional resilience and self-care were another highlight of the training. The trainers introduced techniques for stress management, mindfulness, and active listening—skills essential for youth workers who often carry the emotional weight of others. Participants shared personal experiences of burnout and learned the importance of setting healthy boundaries while supporting young people.
One of the most inspiring parts of the program was the exchange with local Spanish organizations. The participants visited community centers in Benalmádena that promote mental health through art and movement therapy. In one center, young people used creative expression—painting, dance, and storytelling—to process emotions and build self-confidence. Another local initiative combined gender education with community volunteering, showing how awareness can be built through real-life engagement.
The intercultural dialogue among participants made the experience even more enriching. During group reflections, youth workers from different backgrounds shared how gender and mental health issues are addressed in their home countries. These discussions led to new insights and collaborations, reminding everyone that diversity is a strength and that shared learning can lead to innovative local solutions.
Post-Project Action in Germany
Returning home, the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin felt motivated to transform the lessons from Benalmádena into practical action. Inspired by the holistic approach of the training, they launched a new local project called “Balance for All.” The initiative’s main goal was to support young people in Berlin in understanding the importance of emotional well-being and equality as interconnected values.
The project began with small workshops held in local schools and youth centers. Sessions focused on emotional awareness, communication, and empathy. Through storytelling activities, participants explored how social expectations shape mental health. For example, discussions revealed that many young people still feel judged when they show vulnerability or deviate from traditional gender roles.
In collaboration with psychologists and gender specialists, “Balance for All” also developed peer support groups. These groups provided a safe environment where young people could talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. Using methods learned in Spain, such as reflective exercises and team-based learning, the program helped participants build trust and community connections.
The project’s second phase introduced a training module for youth workers, educators, and volunteers. This module focused on recognizing signs of emotional distress and responding with empathy and inclusion. By teaching professionals how to create open and supportive spaces, Copernicus Berlin aimed to extend the project’s impact beyond youth participants.
Impact on Youth and the Community
The “Balance for All” initiative quickly gained positive attention within the community. Young participants reported feeling more confident, supported, and accepted. For many, it was their first experience discussing both mental health and gender equality in an environment that felt safe. Teachers and youth leaders noticed a change as well—students became more empathetic and respectful toward one another, and classroom discussions about emotions became more natural and open.
The project also inspired collaboration among local NGOs. Several organizations expressed interest in adapting “Balance for All” to their own work, proving that small-scale initiatives can have wide-reaching influence. The discussions sparked during the workshops also reached parents and community members, helping to break down stereotypes and normalize conversations about mental health at home.
On a personal level, the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin experienced significant growth. The Erasmus+ training reinforced the idea that inclusion and well-being must go hand in hand. It showed that creating change starts with compassion and that youth work is not only about guiding others but also about continuous learning and self-reflection.
Reflection and Vision for the Future
The Empowering Youth Workers for Gender Equality and Mental Health Awareness training in Benalmádena proved that transformation begins when people come together to listen, learn, and share. It reminded participants that equality and mental health are not separate topics—they are part of the same story of human dignity and respect.
For Copernicus Berlin, the experience has become a foundation for future work. The organization plans to expand “Balance for All” into a long-term program that reaches more youth across Berlin and beyond. The goal is to create a network of young leaders who value empathy, equality, and well-being as central elements of their lives and communities.
The story of this project demonstrates the real power of Erasmus+—to inspire, connect, and empower those who work every day to make the world a kinder, fairer place. From the classrooms of Berlin to the sunny streets of Benalmádena, the message remains the same: equality and care must always walk together if communities are to thrive.