Author: Hanna Yerega

Making Online Art Therapy for Youth a Practice

Written by Hanna Yerega on 11/08/2023. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Making Online Art Therapy for Youth a Practice

In recent years, the field of mental health has witnessed a significant shift towards innovative approaches to therapy, including digital art therapy. Popular amongst young people dealing with emerging or existing psychological disorders, it has already made a name for itself by improving emotional expression, lowering stress and promoting self-awareness. Unfortunately, less is known about successful and consistent implementation, especially at times where in-person therapy poses more and more challenges.

How can we address that you might wonder? This is where the ARTY project comes in.

Implementing Online Art Therapy

Anything begins with a plan, or in this case – a guide. The ARTY project has ambitiously set out to provide a detailed guide to combine step-by-step instructions on successful implementation of digital art therapy practice. It will also combine innovative ideas, and best practices to help CSOs, youth workers, psychologists, social workers, and practitioners ensure a smooth transition. Why is that important? By supporting mental health practitioners with guidelines, we ensure adequate and well-informed use of digital technologies to cultivate consistent and effective treatment options for young people.

Capacity Building Programme

Rooted in the belief that there is no one right way to therapy, new innovative approaches are essential to empower the professions to expand their options when addressing young clients who are grappling with mental health issues. By improving the capacity of youth workers, psychologists, social workers, and practitioners, ARTY project aims to address the challenges of accessing mental health support during unprecedented times, including lock-downs, physical restrictions, amongst others. The capacity building initiative not only equips professionals with the necessary digital skills, but builds on the confidence to navigate the digital landscape for therapeutic purposes which are key to uninterrupted mental health support.

Enhancing Skills for Change

To say the least, good things take time, so what can be done now? Let’s start by creating a wider network of advocates working together to diminish the stigma and promote an understanding of the challenges faced by youth with psychological disorders for starters. Check out the Awareness Raising Toolkit that’s now available for CSOs and the general public to spread mindfulness and contribute to the enhancement of mental health and youth-oriented policies. Its focus extends to addressing the impact of factors such as the COVID-19 on young individuals with existing or developing mental health conditions.

More About ARTY Project

The ARTY project embodies a holistic approach to digital art therapy for young individuals with mental health conditions. By combining the capacity building programme and the awareness raising toolkit, the project envisions a comprehensive ecosystem of support. Professionals armed with digital art therapy skills can offer personalized assistance to youth in need, utilizing the power of creativity to facilitate healing and expression.

To access the toolkit, learn more about the project and keep up with the updates, head over to the ARTY’s official website: ARTY – Digital art therapy for youth with developing or existing mental health conditions.

SLAAC project combating fake news about environment

Third SLACC Newsletter is Up for Grabs

Written by Hanna Yerega on 07/08/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on Third SLACC Newsletter is Up for Grabs

Don’t miss out on the incredible work of the SLACC project, as the team continues to make strides towards ending fake news and misinformation about climate change. The project has now successfully applied the new methodology in partner countries and we cannot wait to share more information in the third newsletter of this important initiative.

ARISTARCHUS Releases Third Newsletter

Written by Hanna Yerega on 04/08/2023. Posted in Project News. 1 Comment on ARISTARCHUS Releases Third Newsletter

The ARISTARCHUS project keeps taking big leaps to bring the magic of the universe to the desks of curious primary and secondary school students. Dedicated to building on the Human Orrery, a 3D kinesthetic model of planetary motion in the inner solar system, to engage learners in interdisciplinary and inclusive STEAM activities – the last couple of months have been defining for the project’s ambitions to come into fruition.

With the first piloting phase and successful final training activity in Munster out of the way, things are only about to get more interesting.

Check out the newsletter below for the more details and the outline of the next steps here.

Driving Sustainability through Social Enterprises

Written by Hanna Yerega on 04/08/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on Driving Sustainability through Social Enterprises

In a world where sustainable practices and entrepreneurial spirit are continuously intertwined, it is crucial to address the arising challenges faced by the young entrepreneurs to navigate the new business landscape. The work of the EMPOWER project is dedicated to nurturing young entrepreneurs and fostering the growth of sustainable social enterprises to set the stage for a brighter and more sustainable future.

At the heart of the EMPOWER project lie meticulously crafted training materials that cater to the unique challenges faced by young entrepreneurs. These resources are designed to empower them to identify opportunities amidst emerging markets and tackle obstacles head-on. By incorporating contemporary tools, including an immersive simulation game, and well-established methodologies, the project ensures that the entrepreneurs are equipped with the means to develop strategies that drive the success of their social enterprises.

Want to learn more and stay in the loop with the latest project developments? Check out the latest EMPOWER newsletter.

The Path to Inclusion: Empowering Marginalized Communities in the Digital Age

Written by Hanna Yerega on 04/08/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on The Path to Inclusion: Empowering Marginalized Communities in the Digital Age

In an era where technology and the digital landscape deeply affect and shape our daily and professional lives, the elderly and migrants still grapple with the challenges of digital exclusion. To better address this issue, the Digital Marginalization of Vulnerable Groups project embarked on a mission to identify and collect effective practices and tools that help dismantle the barriers that hinder citizens from thriving in the realm of digital literacy.

Its primary goal? To showcase and make easily accessible a collection of good practices and innovative approaches that can be swiftly adopted to combat this pervasive issue.

To distil practical solutions, both – actionable and impactful – the project developed best practices report now available to anyone who is dedicated to tackling the digital exclusion head-on. Available in Greek and English – check it out below!

SwitchOff Project is ON – First Newsletter in Your Post Box is Here

Written by Hanna Yerega on 27/07/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on SwitchOff Project is ON – First Newsletter in Your Post Box is Here

We are happy to announce the kick start of the SwitchOff project that supports managers and VET trainers in acquiring the appropriate competencies and knowledge to help remote employees establish a better work-life balance and prevent burnout.

The project targets a wide spectrum of worker’s needs including emotional, cognitive, physical to help employees disconnect from work at the end of their working day with the help of digital solutions, recommended policies and an e-learning platform dedicated to all the tips and tricks. Check out the Switch Off newsletter to find out more.

The FMID Project: Celebrating a Journey of Creation and Inclusion

Written by Hanna Yerega on 10/07/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on The FMID Project: Celebrating a Journey of Creation and Inclusion

We are excited to share that the final screening of the Film Making for Inclusion and Development (FMID) project recently took place in Parchim, Germany, marking the completion of a remarkable journey that married together the concepts of creativity and empowerment. Led by the Jugendförderverein Parchim/Lübz e. V. (JFV) organization, the project brought together aspiring filmmakers from Germany, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Cyprus, with the goal of fostering social inclusion through the art of filmmaking.

The two-year journey of the consortium culminated with a final event – a gathering that brought together the project team, aspiring filmmakers and guests at the international leisure and educational center “lütt pütt” of the Jugendförderverein. The event served as a unique opportunity for all to become fully immersed in the impressive creations participants developed, as part of the project, using nothing but their smartphones and free software. Harnessing the tools available online and their creativity, they crafted inspiring films that touched upon themes of social inclusion and personal stories to celebrate their remarkable progress throughout the last couple of years.

The filmmaking information booths were also set up at the event for attendees to familiarize themselves with different areas of film-making, including film shooting and editing, sound recording, storytelling, reels and online self-expression. Attendees had the opportunity to explore these areas of expertise and learn more about how they can become narrators of their visual story from the industry professionals and project participants.

About FMID Project

The FMID project, supported by CARDET, was initiated in November 2021, and throughout its course it aimed to equip young people with the tools and resources needed to express themselves through filmmaking. Under the premise that digital storytelling is a crucial element to inclusion and diversity on and off screen, the project held a number of training sessions led by youth workers and educators to foster digital and media skills, created an e-learning portal, further supporting the participants’ growth and facilitating their creative journey, as well as organized a number of local film festivals and a masterclass in Madrid.

As the project draws to a close, the video-making resources developed during FMID will remain freely available here, ensuring that young people have the tools and means to express themselves creatively and continue to contribute to a more inclusive society.

GreenYOU Project Successfully Kicks-off

Written by Hanna Yerega on 06/07/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on GreenYOU Project Successfully Kicks-off

GreenYOU project successfully held its inaugural meeting in the vibrant city of Nicosia, Cyprus. The meeting brought together esteemed project partners from Lithuania, Ireland, Cyprus, France, Greece and Poland to discuss key aspects of the project and lay the foundation for an impactful project ahead.

The event, held on 20-21 of June, served as a platform for extensive deliberations on crucial project components. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions centered around project management, quality assessment, comprehensive work packages review, and the strategic dissemination of project outcomes.

The project management session fostered a collaborative atmosphere where partners synergized their efforts to establish a clear roadmap for success. Aligning project goals, timelines, and resource allocation formed the basis for efficient project execution and seamless coordination among team members.

The meeting dedicated substantial time to the rigorous review of project quality. The emphasis on quality reaffirmed the commitment to delivering impactful results. Also, review of work packages was a pivotal aspect of the meeting as the next steps to follow.

In recognition of the importance of sharing project outcomes, a strategic dissemination strategy was meticulously crafted. Partners explored diverse avenues, including social media campaigns, participation in conferences, and publication opportunities, to maximize the project’s visibility and make a lasting impact within the field.

About GreenYOU Project:

The GreenYOU project aims to support the green transition and combat climate change by developing green skills and digital competences among young people. It focuses on building the capacity of youth workers to use Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) technology to teach young people about climate change and youth unemployment. Through the development of innovative resources, such as a MOOC for climate action, a GreenYOU Curriculum, Digital Escape Rooms, and animation videos, the project aims to increase awareness, enhance skills, and promote sustainable behaviours among young people. By directly involving youth workers and young people with fewer opportunities, the project strives to empower them to become agents of change in the green economy and contribute to a sustainable and climate-neutral society.

Intercultural Integration in Cyprus: Understanding Employment Rights for Better Inclusion

Written by Hanna Yerega on 30/06/2023. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Intercultural Integration in Cyprus: Understanding Employment Rights for Better Inclusion

Evidently, the rising number of arrivals poses a hard to resolve puzzle for Cypriot authorities and stakeholders.

This riddle requires a structured approach: to ensure that the rights of refugees and asylum seekers are safeguarded (on both humanitarian grounds and per the Republic of Cyprus’ legal obligations), while they can effectively integrate and contribute to the society. But if all pieces fit in their place, it offers not just doors for facilitating refugee integration – Cyprus also has many benefits to reap. This entails though, a multifaceted approach that supports refugee inclusion in education, the labour market and society at large, that will enable them to become contributing members of our communities.

This belief comes at the core of Building Structures Integration in Cyprus project, implemented by the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support, in partnership with the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus. The project has been working in close collaboration with local administrations and community actors across Cyprus to play an integral role in fostering inclusion. To that end, the programme had also delved into the labour market to help both employers and refugees-asylum seekers navigate through the legal framework and particularities of employment.

Teaching how to ‘Catch a Fish’

For more long-term integration, it’s essential to address how the legal and employment frameworks offer opportunities for growth, education and development for the asylum seekers in their new host countries. As the good old proverb goes – “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” For that to happen, migrants and asylum seekers, as well as employers need to know their rights and duties.

To contribute, as part of the Intercultural integration in Cyprus project, CARDET and partners have created a set of handbooks that include important information as to the fields of work refugees are allowed to work in, as well as important guidelines on contracts, working hours, wages, various forms of leave, social welfare benefits, healthcare, and labour relations. The guide and handbooks thus serve as invaluable resources for employers and employees to grasp a full picture of the Republic of Cyprus’ legal framework in regards to refugees’ entrance to the labour market.

Building Structures for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus Project aims to highlight the importance of employment rights as one of the facets for a sustainable path towards a healthy intercultural society. Investment in human capital can help not only boost the economy and help employers address labour shortages but more importantly, help refugees become part of a wider community that’s not defined by the ‘asylum seeker’ status.

The opportunities that lie before us

Intercultural integration in Cyprus presents both challenges and tremendous opportunities. By recognizing the potential benefits of embracing diversity and working together to overcome obstacles, Cyprus can create a society that thrives on the contributions of all its members. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, instead it’s a mere invitation to develop a 360° approach including – language courses, education and vocational training for children and adults, support with cultural and social orientation, support with personal relationships and networking in the new community are some of the main steps that need to be followed for building trust, fostering cohesion and managing diversity. Every facet plays a role.

Learn more about the “Intercultural integration in Cyprus” project partners, activities and objectives here.

Check out the guides:

Making grassroots football a space of inclusion

Written by Hanna Yerega on 29/06/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on Making grassroots football a space of inclusion

Embracing a three-year journey, supported by the EU Erasmus+ programme, the UEFA Foundation for Children warmly welcomed the TACKLE conference at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon. The event aimed to champion inclusivity and tackle racism in non-professional football. By specifically focusing on coaches and managers in grassroots football clubs, the project effectively raises awareness, fosters competence, and develops strategies to eradicate racism from the beautiful game. With a comprehensive approach at its core, this inspiring initiative aspires to create a lasting impact on players, grassroots football, and the wider sporting community.

The conference was headlined by Clarence Seedorf, a legend of football, who emphasised the importance of communicating the right messages in and through football by putting inclusion in the spotlight all the time. He stressed that “If we want to make change happen, we need to be a part of that change and we need to be seating on those seats where we can have a voice and where we can share the thoughts of the people, because many times the most important solutions will come exactly from the grassroots…We need to start acting with the solutions and we will make mistakes. Things might work out might not work out, but it’s better to move in a certain direction that we know is far away from where we are today and in the right direction as well.”

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He also highlighted the pivotal role coaches play in football and its bid to tackle racism, noting that they “need to make the youth players aware of the values of sports. Sports is the best tool to really guide youth and to develop their brain and to develop their character so if we do all of that properly we will indirectly be tackling the issue. So, if we talk so much about racism, let’s talk about how to be more human, what is friendship, what is teamwork, this is what I learnt when I was younger. These were the things that they were putting on us every single time.”

Following, CARDET’s Executive Director, Dr Charalambos Vrasidas joined the stage to present the rationale and objectives of the work done through the TACKLE Project in its bid to empower football coaches to become active agents in promoting inclusion in football. He noted that the project, implemented in 6 European countries, responded to the increasing calls for action to address the rising numbers of discriminatory incidents in grassroots football.

Furthermore, he elaborated on its focus on coaches noting that “Building capacity of coaches, football managers, youth workers working with youth and at youth clubs is so important as youth and players are heavily impacted and tend to emulate their behaviour and approach.” He also presented the free resources and tools developed by the project, to help coaches and managers of grassroots football clubs to elevate their knowledge and skills in the field. Said tools are available here.

Moreover, the conference featured presentations from Olivier Doglia, UEFA’s Senior Officer in Elite Youth player Development, and Emilio Hernandez, coach of a local youth football club – FC Prangins. In his presentation, Mr Doglia reiterated the important role coaches play in player development and most importantly in promoting and instilling the values of the football to young players and foster inclusion. From his part, he showcased his experiences and the approaches promoted via his club to ensure an open space that encourage and promote the participation of young children in football. The conference concluded with a panel discussion, during which all the speakers took questions and exchanged views on tackling racism in football.

The Conference was organized as part of the workings of the TACKLE Project that is financed by the Erasmus+ programme. Led by CARDET, the project brought together a consortium of 7 organizations from 6 European countries – KMOP (Greece), Spectrum Research Centre (Ireland), the FARE network (Netherlands), the University of Pitesti (Romania), Institute of Development (Cyprus), and the UEFA Foundation for Children. This project put forward a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in addressing racism, discrimination, and intolerance in grassroots football, engaging football professionals and organizations across the continent to develop resources and tools to empower those at the forefront to operate as active agents in making football a welcoming space for all.