Nadezhda Georgieva
Hey everyone!
I just had the most incredible experience attending an Erasmus project training course on mental health in the beautiful island of Malta, and I couldn't wait to share all about it with you. First things first, it was an eye-opening journey. We delved deep into strategies about perceiving mental health, breaking down barriers and stigma surrounding it. From understanding different perspectives to learning practical tools, the course equipped us with valuable insights that I know I'll carry with me for life.
But it wasn't just about learning; it was about spreading awareness too. We discussed ways to raise awareness about mental health in our communities, whether it's through workshops, campaigns, or simply starting conversations. The course was also packed with interesting activities designed to stimulate our creativity and self-expression. We got to try our hand at drawing mandalas, which was not only therapeutic but also surprisingly meditative. Drawing in nature was another highlight – there's something incredibly calming about letting your creativity flow amidst the beauty of the outdoors.
Reflective writing sessions were a personal favorite of mine. It gave us the chance to pause, reflect, and put our thoughts onto paper. It was a cathartic experience, allowing us to explore our own feelings and perspectives on mental health in a safe and supportive environment. The course brought together participants from 10 different countries, creating a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and experiences. The intercultural exchange was truly enriching – we learned from each other, laughed together, and formed bonds that I'm sure will last a lifetime.
All in all, it was a valuable time spent exploring such an important topic in such a beautiful setting. I returned home feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference in the world of mental health.
Until next time,
Nadezhda
Gergana Kovacheva
I had an incredible time on an Erasmus project for mental health, which changed my perspective and enriched me both personally and professionally. In this project, I met a variety of people with different backgrounds and experiences, which made every discussion even more meaningful. Conversations with my colleagues taught me new strategies and tactics for maintaining a healthy mind, while also helping me understand the importance of self-acceptance and self-care. The opportunity to share and discuss my experiences and challenges with others who shared similar experiences was truly valuable. This project not only taught me how to take care of my own mind but also equipped me with tools and knowledge that I can share with others to help improve their mental well-being.
I was particularly impressed by the exceptional organization of the project, which provided engaging workshops that expanded my knowledge and skills in mental health. The venue choice was ideal, offering convenient transportation options and allowing us to explore the beauty of Malta during our free time. Moreover, the teamwork dynamics were outstanding; I had the opportunity to meet diverse individuals and enhance my collaboration skills in various scenarios. Overall, these aspects greatly enriched my experience and contributed to a memorable and rewarding Erasmus project.
Mirela Ilieva
I had high hopes for this project as the topic of mental health is quite important and often overlooked. Samantha and Christian, the organizers of the project, had a very unique in my opinion programme. We had a chance to try different activities that can calm or improve the mind of an individual: on our first day we had a treasure hunt in Mdina, I tried for the first time yogalates, pottering, making healthy snacks, hiking with beautiful views, drawing with fingers in a botanical garden and more. The thing that I am most grateful for was the fact that most of the activities were connected with exploring the island of Malta. For a very short time, we visited most of the island. One of my second favorite thing about the project was the Bulgarian cultural night. We decided to keep simple and let Bulgaria shine on its own. We had a martenitsa workshop which was liked by all countries and after it all everyone had their own martenitsa which they didn’t take off. This would not have been possible without the incredible people in the Bulgarian team, I have never laughed and learned so much before on a project. I am grateful I had the opportunity given to me by the ABS organisation.
Dimitar Yanev
The project M.I.N.D project in Malta was such a unique experience.It wasn’t an ordinary training course, it was made by people familiar with the topic and the Erasmus program. I was hesitant at first because it was training courses and I know they tend to be more boring, have less activities and more lectures but this wasn’t the case here. Participating in the project forever changed my mind about training courses and left on my Erasmus+ journey.
Firstly, the program was organised greatly. We had enough time to engage in mindfulness activities, but also time to explore the island and bond with the other participants. I loved that there was some lectures, but also we had the chance to explore methods to cope with mental health problems like painting, meditation, yoga, hiking and much more. I’m also extremely grateful to all the sending organisations from the participating countries. They choose such a unique people with great stories and different experiences. I made some friends for life here. Lastly, the location was amazing. Malta is such s picturesque island with lots of history, mesmerising architecture and great weather.
Thanks to the organisers of the project we had change to explore it, do treasure hunts while doing it and they even gave us some suggestions of attractions we should visit in our free time. All in all, I cannot even find the right words to describe this project, peoeple should participate and experience what me and the other 35 participants did. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge I gained, the people I have met and the opportunity to be here.
