Project RECOVER: supporting youth in crisis.
RECOGNIZE – RESPOND – SUPPORT!
Did you know that 1 in 5 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 experience mental health problems, but most do not receive professional help in a timely manner?
In a world where social pressures and ubiquitous digitization are becoming a daily reality for youth, the ability to recognize the early signs of mental crisis and provide the right support are key skills for adults working with youth. Unfortunately, many youth workers, teachers, caregivers and coaches feel helpless, asking: how do we help when we don’t know what to look for? When does simple sadness become depression? When to advise professional help? How to recognize when a young person begins to have psychological problems, that is, loses the balance of good mental functioning?
The RECOVER project addresses these challenges by transforming uncertainty into competence. It is an initiative that combines science with practice, targeting those who work with young people, strengthening cognitive and practical skills in identifying early signs of mental crises among young people.
The project does not replace specialized help, but teaches how to become an attentive person who recognizes signals, conducts empathetic dialogue and refers clients to professionals.
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:
- Education on the causes and consequences of mental crises to counter the stigma of mental health issues
- Train youth workers to recognize and identify mental disorders as early as possible and to know how to refer to the right professional
- Creating safe spaces to express individual needs and difficulties and to get the necessary support and assistance
- Promoting healthy attitudes by encouraging self-reflection and being proactive about mental health and seeking help.
INNOVATIVE APPROACH:
the DRAGON DREAMING APPROACH method.
The RECOVER project uses a method based on co-creating solutions with youth and youth workers. This method:
- Involves both groups in the tool design process
- Strengthens the intrinsic motivation of participants so that they feel co-responsible for the results
- Enables practical solutions tailored to local contexts.
THE THREE PILLARS OF THE RECOVER PROJECT:
Partners
Zdrowy Kształt Życia S.C
Zdrowy Kształt S.C is a knowledge-related and health-related organisation that specializes in a comprehensive support of people struggling with a variety of mental difficulties, such as personality disorders, depresive disorders, stress-related disorders, behavioral disorders or anxiety. The mission is to help people find emotional balance, improve their quality of life, and understand and resolve problems that affect daily functioning.
With the use of art theraphy and nature therapy the team implement educational activities individually tailored to individual needs with the main goal of improving self-awareness, building healthy relationships and learning to manage emotions.
In a holistic way Zdrowy Kształt deals with every person who wants to live consciously and in harmony with their own values and beliefs. The institution promote active and healthy lifestyle.
EAST
EAST is a youth-focused organization founded in 2023 in Zagreb, Croatia, after three years as an informal group. Its mission is to support young people (14-30) in their personal and professional growth, equipping them with skills like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Using non-formal education methods such as outdoor activities, escape rooms, and simulations, EAST creates engaging learning environments. The organization operates locally, regionally, and across Europe, offering guidance on employment, sustainability, civic participation, and human rights. With a team of four staff members and four volunteers, EAST promotes inclusivity and diversity, particularly supporting rural youth and students facing academic challenges.
European Multidisciplinary Organization for Training and international Consulting
European Multidisciplinary Organization for Training and international Consulting (EMOTiC) is a civil organisation headquartered in Austria and with a country branch in France dedicated to strengthening the capacities of youth and adults on issues related to the development of their lives, careers and communities. Through training and consulting, we provide the necessary right competences and tools to enable the engagement of persons in shaping their own community and tackling social issues constructively. Thanks to mutual cooperation in capacity building initiatives, strategic partnerships and forward-looking projects, our work covers several areas such as Digitalisation, Interculturality, Wellbeing, Sustainability, Democratisation, Employability, Entrepreneurship, Peace and Security, Human Rights, Conflict Transformation, and Socio-political participation. All our endeavours aim to achieve a positive impact and build more inclusive, peaceful, sustainable and healthy societies.
Ecological Future Education
Ecological Future Education (EFE) is a non-profit organization based in Latvia, dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and social responsibility through non-formal education. Since 2017, EFE has offered engaging seminars, hands-on workshops, and outdoor activities to promote sustainable living among youth and adults, particularly those from rural areas and vulnerable backgrounds. EFE’s mission is to inspire people to think green and act sustainably, integrating environmental education with social inclusion and mental well-being. Through innovative methods such as game-based learning and nature-based experiences, EFE simplifies complex sustainability issues and empowers individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits. The organization regularly organizes activities like game nights, ecology labs, and sustainability cafés, while also developing educational materials, e-learning modules, and social media campaigns. EFE’s efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Youth Strategy, with a strong focus on building a cohesive and resilient community committed to people, planet, and prosperity.
Educational materials
Within the project the partnership will develop:
- a methodological manual DRAGON DREAMING APPROACH
- a summary report of the conducted workshops with conclusions
- a RECOVER toolkit for youth workers
- recommendations for RECOVER practice
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