In June 2023, a diverse group of youth workers from different European countries gathered in Cefalù, Sicily, for the Erasmus+ project “Wellness Beyond Stereotypes.” The aim of this training course was to explore how stereotypes affect young people’s well-being and how youth work can become a safe and inclusive space for growth. Through workshops, shared activities, and deep discussions, the participants learned how mental and emotional health is connected to social identity, discrimination, and belonging. The training focused on helping youth workers understand the invisible impact of stereotypes and gave them tools to support young people in finding strength beyond labels. For the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin, the training offered not only new methods but also a new perspective on youth wellness.
In Germany, especially in May 2023, young people were facing many challenges related to identity, pressure, and social expectation. In schools and on social media, youth were often judged by their gender, race, body shape, religion, or background. Many young people from migrant families felt excluded or misunderstood. Others struggled with unrealistic beauty standards, academic stress, or the fear of not fitting in. Stereotypes were present everywhere—shaping how people talked, behaved, and even how young people saw themselves. For LGBTQ+ youth and those with disabilities, the situation was even harder. Mental health problems were increasing, but talking about emotions was still difficult for many. Youth workers and educators often wanted to help, but they lacked the tools to address these sensitive topics. There was a clear need for new approaches that could promote self-acceptance, inclusion, and wellness in a deeper way.
The training course in Cefalù offered something different. From the first day, the environment was warm, respectful, and open. Participants came from many different cultures and identities, and this diversity became a strength. One of the most eye-opening sessions was a workshop on unconscious bias. The youth workers discovered how even well-meaning people can hold stereotypes without noticing. Through group activities, they learned to question their own views and reflect on how these might affect their work. Another important part of the training was focused on mental health. They explored how cultural expectations and identity labels can increase stress and shame in young people. Some sessions used art and movement to explore emotions, others used group discussion or storytelling. Local speakers from Sicily also shared how they worked with youth from different backgrounds in a region with its own complex history of identity and migration. These real examples helped the participants understand that change was possible, even in difficult environments.
Inspired by what they learned in Sicily, the Copernicus Berlin participant worked with their team to develop a new local project called “Feel Seen.” The idea was simple but strong: to create spaces where young people could explore identity, wellness, and acceptance without judgment. The project included weekly workshops in Berlin youth centers where participants could join group talks, art activities, and personal reflection sessions. Each workshop had a theme, such as body image, cultural roots, mental health, or gender identity. The sessions used methods learned during the Erasmus+ training, like open circles, creative expression, and positive affirmation games. Youth workers were trained to hold space with kindness and listen without pushing advice. The program also included a mini-campaign with quotes and artwork from the youth, showing messages like “You don’t need to be perfect to be worthy” and “Your story matters.”
The impact of “Feel Seen” was powerful. Many young people said it was the first time they felt truly listened to without being judged. One participant said they always felt like the “other” in school but now felt they had found a second home. Another shared that the sessions helped them speak to their parents about mental health for the first time. The project also reached youth who were often left out of public programs, such as those from refugee backgrounds or those who dropped out of school. The safe, creative format made it easier to join without pressure. Youth center staff noticed that the atmosphere became more supportive overall, with less bullying and more cooperation. Some teachers asked if they could use the methods in their own classrooms. The project gained attention from local educators and was featured in a Berlin youth inclusion forum. Copernicus Berlin then began building a toolkit based on the experience, to help other organizations create similar spaces in their cities.
Thanks to the experience in Cefalù, the youth worker and their team learned that small actions can create big shifts. They saw that wellness is not just about health—it is about dignity, connection, and choice. They also understood that youth need more than advice. They need to feel respected, understood, and accepted as they are. The training helped them become better listeners, more aware of their own biases, and more creative in their work. Most importantly, it showed that inclusion is not just a value—it is a practice. And when it is done with honesty, it brings real change.
Looking ahead, Copernicus Berlin is planning to expand “Feel Seen” to reach schools and community centers in other districts of Berlin. They want to train more youth workers and peer leaders to guide circles and promote wellness without stereotypes. They are also applying for follow-up Erasmus+ support to organize an international exchange where young people from different countries can meet and share their experiences. The goal is to build a new kind of youth culture—one where everyone belongs and where being different is a strength, not a weakness.
The path is long, but the steps are already visible. In youth rooms and classrooms, on paper and on stage, young people are starting to rewrite their stories. They are learning that they are more than the names others give them. They are learning to breathe, to speak, and to see each other in new ways. Thanks to “Wellness Beyond Stereotypes” and the energy that came from Sicily, the work continues in Germany—quietly, steadily, and with growing hope.