Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Exercise
Outbound Youth Work - Using wilderness therapy with young people facing mental health challenges
The project results focused on research on the most prevalent mental health conditions among young people; the creation of 24 tools using the wilderness to work with this cohort and an impact report of these tools and the mentoring process.
Aims of the tool
The aims of these tools center around improving mental health and well-being in young people by integrating outdoor activities and wilderness therapy as an accompaniment to medication and therapeutic strategies. Here are the core aims:
1. Addressing mental health challenges in youth: Tackling prevalent mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation among young people aged 13-17.
2. Developing outdoor tools: One of the primary goals is to create and implement a set of outdoor tools and therapeutic activities that support mental health improvement in youth. This includes developing innovative, non-traditional interventions.
3. Fostering a connection with nature: The tools help reconnecting young people with nature to counteract the effects of urbanization and indoor lifestyles. Engaging in nature is viewed as a pathway to grounding oneself, fostering self-awareness, and promoting holistic well-being.
4. To enhance youth workers' skills: The tools equip these professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to address youth mental health proactively and compassionately.
Description of the tool
The first publication focuses on the research on identifying prevalent mental health issues among young people, such as depression and anxiety, across different communities. Each partner conducted a local study to gain in-depth knowledge of six specific mental health conditions affecting young individuals.
Following the research, outdoor therapeutic tools were developed based on wilderness therapy principles, aiming to help young people engage with nature and enhance mental well-being. These tools are categorized into various outdoor activities like trekking, archery, and kayaking, chosen for their therapeutic benefits. The 24 tools created have been gathered in a toolkit.
The last tool involves an overview and evaluation of the mentoring process carried out with the young people and assesses the effectiveness of the tools created as well as assesses the quality of life of the young people before and after participating in the project.
Disclaimer
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
Tool overview
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/4541
This tool is for
The tools are aimed in particular for organisations and professionals working with young people facing mental health challenges. However, the tools created can also be used with other groups of young people.
and addresses
Personal Development
It is recommended for use in:
Strategic Partnerships
Behind the tool
The tool was created by
Prisms - Richmond Foundation - IASIS - Parnu Youth Recreation Centre
in the context of
This was part of an Erasmus+ KA2 project
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Marie Claire Testa (on 20 November 2024)
and last modified
7 November 2024
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