An intensive training for youth workers and trainers took place in the Italian city of Foligno from 27 to 30 September 2024. The event was part of the YOU CARE (YOUth Creating Action Research on Eco-anxiety) project, funded by the Erasmus + programme. The project brings together the efforts of five European organisations – Association FOR YOU from Bulgaria, QUEST from Belgium, Inovatyvi karta from Lithuania, FELCOS from Italy and Love & Care for People from Ireland – in an effort to help young people understand and manage their emotions related to the environmental crisis and move towards active change.

Objectives and methodology of the training

The main objective of the YOU CARE project is to provide young people in Europe with resources to deal with eco-anxiety – a growing sense of anxiety caused by awareness of global environmental problems. Through the innovative YPAR (Youth Participatory Action Research) approach, the project aims to encourage young people to explore environmental challenges, moving from anxiety to action. The YPAR methodology engages young people in a research process, encouraging them to analyze and act on the issues that concern them.

During the training, specialists from the five partner countries received knowledge and practical skills with which to support young people in the process of understanding and overcoming eco-anxiety. The work was structured around different activities – lectures, group discussions and practical work, through which the trainers jointly created a concept for an operational “engine” of the project. This approach will serve as a tool for emotional guidance for young people, helping them to transform anxiety into positive actions.

Important moments and cultural exchange

The event was hosted by FELCOS Umbria, where the training sessions were held. The Vice President of FELCOS and the Social Affairs Councillor of Foligno welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of such projects for the local and international community.

In addition to the training sessions, the program also included an introduction to the culture and traditions of the region. Participants had the opportunity to visit the historic Palazzo Trinci and enjoy the pasta festival, which enriched the cultural exchange and brought together youth workers from different countries.

Results and future steps

The training in Foligno is a key step in the implementation of the YOU CARE project and represents the beginning of longer-term actions to address eco-anxiety among young people. The knowledge and methods gained will be adapted and applied in the work of the participating organisations to reach even more young people in Europe. Each of the partner organisations is expected to carry out local initiatives and trainings aimed at preventing eco-anxiety and encouraging young people to take action to protect the environment.

This training demonstrates the commitment of the European Union and the project partners to building a new generation of responsible young people, ready to face environmental challenges with determination and confidence. The YOU CARE project provides the tools and inspiration needed for young people to overcome eco-anxiety and contribute to a better future.

Follow our website and our Facebook and Instagram profiles for current opportunities and offers!

The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the content, which reflects the views of the authors alone, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.