DAMN - a self discovery journey to find your own balance and master connections

Investing in self-care is investing in collective well-being. In the demanding context of youth work, where collaboration within teams and groups is constant and dealing with important societal aspects is a daily challenge, taking care of oneself is essential to maintaining effectiveness and sustaining impact at local, national and international level.
When youth workers prioritize their own well-being, they enhance their ability to find a balance and support their organizations and the young people they work with.

This training invites you to reflect on your emotions, values, and needs, helping you maintain a positive state of mind while navigating the challenges of teamwork and group dynamics. Through engaging and experiential activities, we will explore the mental, emotional, physical, and social dimensions of well-being. These insights and practices will not only support your personal growth but also enhance your capacity to thrive in collaborative settings.

AIM:
Youth workers face the challenge of balancing their personal well-being with the needs of their organizations and the young people they support. The aim of this training is to help them develop self-awareness and self-care as key elements for finding personal balance when working closely with others.
When self-care is prioritized, youth workers are better equipped to contribute creatively and productively, fostering better communication skills and interpersonal relationships. By addressing their own needs, understanding and setting priorities on well-being, youth workers will undergo their own personal reflection process that will help them support young people in their personal development process, while creating a healthier and harmonious group.

OBJECTIVES:

• Build self-awareness to enhance youth workers well-being

Encourage youth workers to understand their own emotions, values, and beliefs, and reflect on how these shape their ability to connect to young people and collaborate effectively in teams.

• Foster authentic and supportive communication

Develop the confidence to act authentically, seek and offer support when needed, and build trust - key to fostering collaboration and creating positive environments within youth work and with youth.

• Promote self-care for sustainable engagement

Emphasize self-care practices, enabling youth workers to stay balanced, maintain their energy and focus while dealing with their daily work commitment on the local, national and international level.

• Embrace self-reflection for personal and team growth

Encourage regular self-reflection to recognize strengths and areas for growth, helping each participant contribute meaningfully to the collective wellbeing.

METHODOLOGY :

This training course is based on non-formal learning, combining a holistic perspective with a range of experiential activities, for individual and collective development. Non-formal learning complements formal and informal learning. It is inclusive, promoting autonomy, self-confidence and self-awareness, creativity, and critical thinking, supporting personal and professional growth, and strengthening active citizenship and social inclusion.

TARGET GROUP:

● Youth workers, trainers, facilitators of non-formal learning, and youth leaders
who are directly working with young people and teams of youth workers
● Involved in the youth work field
● At least 18 years old
● Able to communicate in English
● Able to take part in the full duration of the programme
● Committed to actively participate in the proposed activities