''Mental Health Literacy in Youth Work''- Turning Experience into Lasting Impact

The final day of the Mental Health Literacy in Youth Work project in Madrid marked the culmination of a transformative week of learning, reflection, intercultural exchange, and professional development. Bringing together youth workers from Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Türkiye the closing activities focused on recognizing personal growth, celebrating achievements, and preparing participants to transfer their newly acquired knowledge into their future youth work practices.

The day began with “Reflection, Integration & Youthpass Connection,” a session dedicated to helping participants make sense of their learning journey throughout the mobility. Participants revisited the purpose of Youthpass, its role within Erasmus+ projects, and the importance of recognizing learning outcomes gained through non-formal education. They also explored the eight Key Competences of Youthpass and reflected on how these competences had been developed during the project.

Using personal notes and experiences gathered throughout the week, participants started drafting the self-assessment section of their Youthpass certificates. With the support of practical guidelines, examples, and peer discussions, they reflected on their personal and professional growth, the challenges they had overcome, and the skills they planned to bring into their future work with young people. Small-group exchanges provided an opportunity to share experiences, inspire one another, and gain new perspectives on individual learning journeys.

The learning process then moved beyond the training venue through “Exploring Madrid & Connecting with Local Impact.” Participants took part in a city tour designed to combine cultural discovery with project dissemination and community engagement. While exploring some of Madrid’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks, participants actively promoted the project by distributing informational materials and sharing its objectives with members of the local community.

As part of this outreach experience, participants also visited a local stakeholder organization working in youth or health-related fields. The visit offered valuable insights into local approaches to youth engagement and health promotion, allowing participants to compare practices, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration for future initiatives in their own countries. The experience reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration and highlighted the diverse ways mental health and youth work can be connected across Europe.

The project concluded with “The Final Assessment,” a comprehensive evaluation and closure session designed to celebrate achievements and gather meaningful feedback. Participants first completed evaluation forms covering the project's content, organization, learning outcomes, logistics, and group dynamics. This was followed by a creative reflection exercise using the “Metaphor Wall” method, which encouraged participants to express their feelings and experiences through visual symbols and personal reflections.

The final sharing circle created a meaningful space for participants to look back on the week and articulate what they would take home from the experience. They shared key lessons learned, future plans for applying their new knowledge in youth work, and memorable moments that had shaped their journey. The session provided an emotional and inspiring conclusion, highlighting the strong bonds formed throughout the mobility and the collective commitment to promoting mental health literacy among young people.

As the project came to an end, participants left Madrid not only with new knowledge and practical tools, but also with stronger international connections, increased confidence, and a renewed motivation to create more supportive, inclusive, and mentally healthy environments for young people in their communities. The impact of the mobility will continue long after the final session, carried forward through the actions, initiatives, and collaborations that participants will implement in the months and years ahead.