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I.M.P.A.C.T.
Inclusion through Mental health, Participation, Art, Creativity, and Training
Welcome!
Welcome to the online platform of I.M.P.A.C.T.!
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I.M.P.A.C.T. (Inclusion through Mental health, Participation, Art, Creativity, and Training) is an Erasmus+ Small-scale Partnership in Youth dedicated to promoting mental well-being, inclusion, civic participation, and creativity among young people across Europe.
I.M.P.A.C.T. supports youth workers and young people through innovative art-based and non-formal education methods, using creativity as a powerful tool to encourage emotional expression, social inclusion, and active citizenship. By combining artistic practices with youth work, the project aims to strengthen young people’s sense of belonging, empower their voices, and foster democratic participation and European values, especially for those facing fewer opportunities.
On this website, you can explore the project activities, discover creative educational methods and resources, and follow how youth workers and young people from different European contexts use art to engage with mental health, participation, and community life.
Partners
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Associação Ramifica – Portugal (Coordinator);
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Yenilikçi EÄŸitim Bilim ve Sanat DerneÄŸi – Türkiye;
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Asociatia Empower Plus – Romania.
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DISCLAIMER:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the National Agency can be held responsible for them.
About Project
I.M.P.A.C.T. aims to strengthen the capacity of youth workers and young people to actively participate in their communities by promoting mental well-being, inclusion, creativity, and civic engagement through art-based, non-formal education approaches.
Through transnational cooperation between organisations from Portugal (Madeira), Romania, and Türkiye, the project focuses on increasing youth participation, addressing mental health challenges, and supporting young people, including those with fewer opportunities, to feel more included, empowered, and connected to their communities. IMPACT responds to real needs identified at the local level, where many young people face social exclusion, limited access to mental health support, and low levels of civic engagement.
The project’s objectives include equipping youth workers with practical art-based tools and methods to support emotional expression, resilience, inclusion, and active citizenship; engaging young people in creative local workshops and intercultural dialogue; and developing accessible educational resources, such as a youth methods manual, that can be used in everyday youth work. By combining international training, local activities, creative production, digital tools, and collaborative exchange, our project strengthens organisational capacity and partnership cooperation while creating sustainable learning opportunities that continue to support youth well-being, participation, and inclusion beyond the project’s duration.
Activities
Kick-Off Meeting
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The Kick-Off Meeting marked the official starting point of the I.M.P.A.C.T. project and was organised online, bringing together representatives of all partner organisations for initial coordination and collaboration. The meeting focused on building a shared understanding of the project’s vision, objectives, and structure, ensuring that all partners were aligned from the outset.
During the online sessions, partners clarified roles and responsibilities, reviewed the project timeline, and agreed on key implementation, communication, and coordination procedures. Particular attention was given to internal communication flows, quality assurance, and the smooth organisation of upcoming activities, including the international training course and local actions.
The Kick-Off Meeting also played an important role in strengthening cooperation and trust between partners, creating a collaborative working atmosphere. By establishing clear agreements and a common framework at an early stage, the meeting laid a solid foundation for effective transnational cooperation and the successful implementation of all project activities within I.M.P.A.C.T..
Colours of Change - Art-Based Youth Work Training Course
Between 19 and 25 November, the “Colours of Change - Art-Based Youth Work” Training Course brought together 12 youth workers from Portugal (Madeira), Türkiye, and Romania for an intensive international learning experience focused on creativity, inclusion, and emotional well-being. The training was organised in partnership with Ramifica (Portugal), IESA (Türkiye), and Empower Plus (Romania) and co-funded by the European Union.
Designed as a living laboratory of learning by doing, the training invited participants to step beyond theory and experience art-based youth work firsthand. Throughout the week, youth workers explored a wide range of creative methods, including visual arts, Neurographic art, music, laughing therapy, café cubism, dance, and body movement, using colour, sound, movement, and storytelling as tools for exploration and reflection.
The programme encouraged self-expression, experimentation, and group reflection, allowing participants to understand how artistic processes support emotional expression, confidence building, and participation among young people, especially those facing fewer opportunities. By actively engaging in creative processes themselves, youth workers gained a deeper understanding of what young people experience during art-based activities, strengthening their capacity to facilitate empathetic, inclusive, and meaningful learning environments.
Art was used both as a method and a shared language, enabling participants to explore emotions, group dynamics, and personal narratives while strengthening collaboration and trust within the group. The training highlighted how art-based youth work fosters inclusion, mental well-being, civic engagement, and empowerment, offering accessible and non-verbal pathways for young people to express themselves and engage with their communities.
By the end of the training course, creativity was no longer perceived only as a tool, but as a core approach to youth work practice. Participants left equipped with practical methods, increased confidence, and a stronger understanding of how art-based approaches can open new pathways for learning, healing, and participation in diverse youth work contexts.
Local Youth Workshops
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The Local Youth Workshops were implemented in each partner country and engaged young people from the local communities, including those facing fewer opportunities. Building on the competences developed during the international training course, youth workers facilitated creative, art-based activities addressing mental well-being, inclusion, emotional expression, and active participation.
Through interactive sessions combining discussion, creativity, and reflection, young participants explored topics such as self-confidence, belonging, empathy, and civic involvement. The workshops provided young people with opportunities to express themselves freely, develop social and emotional skills, and strengthen their connection to their communities. The activities also allowed youth workers to apply newly acquired methods in real contexts, reinforcing the practical impact of the project.
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Multicultural Online Youth Hub
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Following the local workshops, a Multicultural Online Youth Hub was organised, bringing together young people from all partner countries in a shared virtual space. The online hub created opportunities for intercultural dialogue, exchange of experiences, and peer learning, connecting participants beyond national borders.
During the sessions, young people shared reflections from the local workshops, discussed challenges related to mental health and participation, and exchanged perspectives on community engagement. The activity strengthened intercultural understanding, encouraged mutual respect, and reinforced a sense of European cooperation and solidarity among participants.
Youth Methods Manual Development
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The Youth Methods Manual was developed collaboratively by all partner organisations as a key project output. The manual compiles art-based methods, tools, and good practices tested during the training course and local workshops, offering practical guidance for youth workers working with diverse groups of young people.
The manual focuses on promoting mental well-being, inclusion, emotional resilience, and active citizenship, providing step-by-step activity descriptions that can be easily adapted to different youth work contexts. Designed as an accessible and sustainable resource, the manual supports youth workers and organisations in continuing to apply the project’s approaches beyond its duration.
Local Exhibitions
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The Local Exhibitions were organised in each partner country to publicly showcase the creative outcomes produced by young people during the workshops. The exhibitions presented artworks, visual expressions, and creative materials reflecting themes such as mental health, inclusion, identity, and participation.
By bringing these works into public spaces, the exhibitions raised awareness within local communities, encouraged dialogue around youth well-being and inclusion, and gave young people visibility and recognition for their voices and creativity. The exhibitions also contributed to reducing stigma and promoting empathy by sharing young people’s perspectives in an open and accessible format.
Virtual Reality Exhibition​
In addition to the local exhibitions, a Virtual Reality (VR) Exhibition was created to extend the project’s reach and accessibility. The VR exhibition brought together selected creative works from all partner countries in a single digital environment, allowing audiences to explore the project results regardless of location.
The virtual format enabled broader dissemination, offered an innovative way to engage with youth creativity, and ensured that the project outcomes could be accessed by diverse audiences, including those unable to attend physical events. The VR exhibition strengthened the project’s digital dimension and supported long-term visibility and sustainability of the results.
Final Conferences​
The Final Conferences marked the concluding dissemination activities of the I.M.P.A.C.T. project and were organised in each partner country to present the project’s results, experiences, and impact to a wider audience. The events brought together youth workers, young people, educators, representatives of civil society organisations, and local stakeholders interested in youth well-being, inclusion, and participation.
During the conferences, partners presented the project objectives, key activities, and main outcomes, including the international training course, local workshops, youth methods manual, and exhibitions. Particular attention was given to sharing art-based approaches and practical examples that proved effective in promoting mental health awareness, inclusion, and active engagement among young people.
The conferences also provided space for reflection and dialogue, allowing participants to discuss challenges faced by young people in their communities and explore how creative youth work can respond to these needs. By showcasing the project’s methodologies and results, the Final Conferences contributed to raising awareness, strengthening networks, and encouraging the continued use and transfer of the project’s approaches beyond its duration.
