THE PROJECT BACKGROUND
Background of the Project PACT (Psychological First Aid and Creative Techniques) was born out of a clear and growing need for accessible mental health support tailored to the realities of young people and the youth workers who support them. Across many countries, youth workers are often the first point of contact for young people facing emotional distress, yet they frequently lack the tools and training to provide appropriate support. PACT addresses this critical gap by building the capacity of youth workers to respond effectively and compassionately to mental health challenges
The project empowers youth workers through comprehensive training in three key areas:
1. Psychoeducation, to help them understand and explain common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and to combat stigma among youth.
2. Psychological First Aid, to enable them to respond confidently and safely to acute psychological episodes, offering immediate care and directing young people toward professional help when necessary.
3. Art Therapy Techniques, to guide young people in processing trauma and complex emotions through creative, expressive methods in a safe environment.
In addition to in-person training, PACT also develops valuable, user-friendly digital resources, including:
1. A Psychological First Aid Manual for quick reference and crisis response guidance
2. An Art Therapy Toolkit offering adaptable creative practices for diverse youth populations
An interactive E-learning Course for continued professional development, accessible anytime and anywhere
PACT strongly aligns with several core goals of European youth initiatives. It increases the capacity of youth organizations by enhancing the skills of those working directly with young people. It champions non-formal education through hands-on workshops, digital learning tools, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, and it encourages youth participation by creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel empowered to engage in civic life.
The project also supports the development of youth work across partner countries by improving the quality and recognition of the profession. Resources developed under PACT will remain available and relevant long after the project concludes, reflecting the strong ongoing interest from youth workers and organizations across participating regions.
Moreover, PACT fosters international cooperation and mobility, facilitating exchange between youth organizations through cross-border training and collaborative activities. It also promotes synergies with formal education systems, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world emotional needs by equipping youth workers with relevant, practical skills.
In essence, PACT is not just a project—it is a sustainable movement toward a more resilient, mentally healthy generation of young people, supported by confident, well-equipped youth workers ready to make a difference.