In November 2023, youth workers from all over Europe came together in Berlin, Germany, for the Erasmus+ training course “MindMentor: Strengthening Youth Resilience & Well-being.” The aim of this international project was to give youth workers the knowledge and tools to better support the mental health of young people. The training was focused on resilience-building, early intervention, and creating safe spaces where youth could feel supported and heard. In a time when mental health challenges are growing around the world, especially among young people, this project offered real support and practical skills for those working with youth every day.
For a youth worker from Romania, the training came at the perfect moment. In many Romanian communities, young people face serious challenges. Life is not always easy, and many feel pressure at home, in school, or in their social lives. Mental health is still a taboo subject in some places, and not many young people feel safe talking about their emotions or difficulties. Schools often do not have mental health support, and in rural areas, services can be completely missing. Even in cities, young people may feel alone, not knowing where to go or who to talk to when they are sad, stressed, or overwhelmed. For those who are part of minority groups, the situation is even more difficult. Inclusion and diversity are still developing in Romania, and many young people do not feel accepted because of their background, beliefs, identity, or appearance.
The Association for Cultural Relations, an NGO in Romania, had already worked on different projects to promote inclusion and support youth empowerment. Still, the topic of mental health had not been deeply explored in their local activities. The “MindMentor” training in Berlin brought a new perspective. It showed that mental health is not separate from inclusion—it is part of it. When young people do not feel safe to express themselves or feel like they do not belong, their mental well-being is directly affected. The training connected these topics in a strong and clear way.
During the course in Berlin, many new ideas and tools were presented. One of the most powerful lessons was how to create open and supportive environments for young people. The local community in Berlin gave great examples. There were youth spaces where diversity was celebrated, and where every voice was welcome. The group visited a youth center where teens could attend art workshops, join discussion groups, or simply come to relax. The place was full of color, music, and conversation. There was no judgment, only care and understanding. It became clear how much these kinds of spaces could mean to a young person who feels misunderstood or left out.
Workshops during the training helped participants understand how to teach resilience as a life skill. Before the training, many youth workers thought resilience was only about “being strong” or “not giving up.” But in Berlin, it became clear that resilience also means learning how to ask for help, how to share emotions, and how to support others. These lessons were very helpful and made everyone think in a new way. The trainers also focused on early intervention—how to notice the first signs that a young person might be struggling and what actions to take.
An important part of the training was also international exchange. Participants shared personal experiences, local stories, and project ideas. Some had already created school programs or peer-to-peer support groups. Others were just starting to talk about mental health in their communities. The Romanian participant felt supported and inspired. There was a shared understanding that every country is different, but many problems are the same. Everyone wanted to make things better for young people and help them feel seen and safe.
When the participant returned home, the energy and ideas from Berlin did not stop. Together with the team at Association for Cultural Relations, they decided to start a new project called “Voices in the Circle.” The idea was to create inclusive group sessions for young people in local communities—places where everyone, no matter their background, identity, or beliefs, could come and talk about emotions, stress, and life challenges. The goal was not to give therapy, but to create community. These circles were designed using what was learned in Berlin: safe spaces, active listening, creative expression, and group resilience exercises.
The sessions started in a small community center. At first, only a few young people came. Some were curious, others were shy. But slowly, the circle grew. Each week, new participants joined. Some were Roma youth, some were part of the LGBTQ+ community, and others were simply looking for a place where they could be themselves without fear. Each session had a topic—like self-care, dealing with stress, or helping a friend—and included simple tools such as breathing techniques, storytelling, and drawing emotions. What mattered most was that everyone felt safe and respected.
The impact of this initiative was visible in many ways. Young people began to speak more openly, not just in the circle, but also in school or at home. They learned how to listen to others and how to respect different opinions. Some of them started organizing small actions in their neighborhoods, like making posters about mental health or talking to teachers about including more supportive topics in the classroom. Parents and educators noticed the change and became more interested in understanding youth mental health. A few schools even invited the NGO team to speak with teachers and students.
The “Voices in the Circle” project also helped the Association for Cultural Relations grow. It brought new partnerships with local institutions, libraries, and youth centers. It showed the value of connecting mental health with inclusion. For the NGO, it was clear that when young people feel accepted for who they are, their mental well-being improves. And when their mental health is stronger, they are more likely to participate in community life and support others.
The journey from Berlin to the local community in Romania was more than just a trip. It was a transformation. The training did not only teach technical skills—it touched the heart of youth work. It reminded participants that change begins with trust and understanding. It showed that youth empowerment means more than giving young people a voice. It means listening, creating spaces for growth, and giving them tools to take care of themselves and each other.
Looking to the future, the youth worker hopes to continue building inclusive projects that focus on mental health. There is still a lot of work to do in Romania, especially in places where support systems are weak or missing. But the change has started. With more training, support, and collaboration, more young people can find their place in the community, feel proud of who they are, and learn how to care for their mental well-being.
The “MindMentor” experience proved that even small actions can lead to big changes. A circle of chairs, a shared story, or a safe space can be the beginning of something important. Young people are ready for change. They want to feel strong, supported, and free to be themselves. With the right tools, youth workers can help build that future—one where inclusion and mental health go hand in hand, and where no young person is left behind.