Project Objectives
The Forest Youth project aims to improve 4 areas in the youth field:
(1) Youth Wellbeing: In a recent survey of UNICEF (2021) with young people across the EU, almost 1 in 5 responded that they identified as suffering from mental health problems or symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Participants described a complexity relating to their desires to receive greater mental health and wellbeing support. The Forest Youth project based on Forest Bathing methodology will improve youths health & wellbeing, including low blood pressure, decreased stress, improved mood, reduced anxiety, increased ability to concentrate, etc.
(2) Inclusion: the activities of the Forest Youth project are focused on the main target group – marginalised youth. So, in engaging and connecting activities, they will develop a sense of belonging to the community, better social inclusion via common goals and activities.
(3) Youth Entrepreneurship & Initiative taking: during the empowerment and initiative-taking sessions marginalised youth will develop a sense of entrepreneurship, will gain a number of transversal skills and will be empowered to take action. The beneficial outcomes to youth empowerment programs are improved social skills, improved behaviour, increased academic achievement, increased self-esteem and increased self-efficacy.
(4) Actions on Climate Change: Youth is identified as one of the nine major groups of civil society in Agenda 21, with the right and responsibility to participate in sustainable development. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Article 6 on Education, Training and Public Awareness, calls to implement educational and training programmes on climate change to educate, empower and engage all stakeholders. The Forest Youth project calls youth to act NOW and TODAY!