S.A.N.T.A. - Say, Act: Never This Again! [Tackling Mental Health]

Aims & objectives

The objectives of the project were as follows:
- to explore the concept of "transformational storytelling", how to use storytelling as tool for innovation to change and self-development;
- to understand how storytelling, playback theatre and stand up comedy skills can be used as creative methods to let youth express, address and open up about mental health challenges;
- to increase youth workers’ readiness to act using the competences acquired during the project as well as confidence to apply them;
- to develop an action plan for participants to engage their youth in their organisation's context as well as the regional and European level;
- to implement the lessons learned and action plans in the partner organisations and virtually share and evaluate the activities organised.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The group of participants was composed of 24 youth workers from 8 different countries (Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Slovenia). The participants are involved in youth work, specifically related to well-being among young people, often coming from fewer opportunities backgrounds.

The training team of 3 have rich and diverse backgrounds and, beside a practical and extensive experience in the field of youth work and training, offers and combines a wide expertise in performative arts such as drama, playback theatre, improv, comedy and storytelling.

Training methods used & main activities

- Non-formal education
- Transformative storytelling
- Playback theatre
- Stand-up comedy

Outcomes of the activity

The 24 youth workers had ample time to gain various skills (Transformative storytelling, Playback theatre and Stand-up comedy) to address mental health issues among young people in their organisation and local community.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Co-conceptualising, preparing, implementing, evaluating and reporting on the project with 2 other trainers.

I worked on this training for 6 days days as a full time trainer.

Testimonial of the reference person

Rob is an excellent co-trainer, knowledgeable, creative, organised and very easy-going. Working together with him is always a pleasure and he would make a great fit within every team!