Working with young people is both meaningful and demanding. Youth workers dedicate their time and energy to supporting others, but often overlook their own mental and emotional well-being. To address this challenge, we are coordinating the project Treat Yourself III, focused on promoting holistic well-being and self-care among youth workers across Europe.
About the Project
Running from August 2025 to May 2026, Treat Yourself III aims to help youth workers recognize the importance of balance, self-awareness, and sustainable work practices.
The project brings together 26 youth workers and trainers from eight European countries – Slovakia, Portugal, Italy, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, and North Macedonia. Building on the success of two previous editions, Treat Yourself III continues to strengthen a European network of professionals dedicated to emotional resilience and mental health in youth work.
The project is implemented in collaboration with eight partner organizations with diverse experience in youth work, mental health, and personal development:
- 🇸🇰 Youth for Equality (Slovakia) – Coordinator
- 🇵🇹 Stairs and Levels Associação (Portugal)
- 🇮🇹 YouNet APS (Italy)
- 🇱🇹 Asociacija Tavo Europa (Lithuania)
- 🇧🇬 Association of Young Psychologists in Bulgaria “4th April” (Bulgaria)
- 🇷🇴 Asociatia Nationala de Dezvoltare Continua a Tineretului din Romania (Romania)
- 🇹🇷 Anadolu Parsı Spor Kulübü (Türkiye)
- 🇲🇰 Association for Environmental Protection and Improvement EKO-ZHIVOT Kavadarci (North Macedonia)
The partnership encourages cross-cultural exchange and the sharing of approaches to mental health, emotional intelligence, and self-care in the youth sector.
Main Training Course
The main activity of the project was an international training course, which took place in Trnava, Slovakia, from 30 September to 7 October 2025.
Throughout the week, participants explored ways to manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve emotional well-being through non-formal education methods such as experiential learning, reflection, and nature-based workshops.
Training sessions covered topics including:
- Mindfulness and emotional regulation
- Burnout prevention and healthy boundaries
- Body–mind connection and relaxation techniques
- Integrating self-care into daily and organizational routines
During the course, participants developed their own Holistic Well-Being Codes – personalized self-care plans to maintain balance in their personal and professional lives. Together, they also began co-creating the Wellbeing Codes in Youth Work Toolkit, compiling practical tools and best practices to support other youth workers across Europe.
Results and Follow-Up
As Treat Yourself III continues until May 2026, participants are implementing local follow-up activities in their home countries to share the knowledge and tools developed during the training.
The project will conclude with the publication of a Handbook on Holistic Well-Being in Youth Work, featuring exercises, methods, and reflections co-created by the participants. The handbook will serve as a practical resource for youth workers who wish to strengthen their well-being, prevent burnout, and integrate mindfulness into their professional lives.
By promoting reflection, balance, and emotional resilience, Treat Yourself III encourages a more sustainable and human-centered approach to youth work.
Our participant shared her experience in this inspiring article, check it out 🙂
HANDBOOK
HANDBOOK FOR SLOVAK
