Ecologies of care
Context
Ecologies of Care is an Erasmus+ KA220 Cooperation Partnership that explores care as a social, relational and ecological practice. The project brings together organisations from Italy, France, Greece and the Netherlands to investigate how young people experience self-care, relationships, community life and their connection with the natural environment.
In a time marked by loneliness, mental health challenges, social fragmentation and environmental concerns, the project seeks to promote a culture of care as an alternative to individualism and disconnection. Through arts-based practices, non-formal education and international cooperation, partners develop innovative tools and educational resources that support young people in building healthier relationships with themselves, others, their communities and nature.
Aims
- Promote self-care and emotional well-being
- Strengthen healthy relationships through empathy, communication and consent
- Encourage community engagement and collective responsibility
- Foster environmental awareness and ecological sustainability
- Develop innovative arts-based educational resources for youth workers and young people
- Create spaces for dialogue, inclusion and social transformation.
Resources
1. Book on “how to enanche self care”
The Ecologies of Care Toolkit offers practical tools, reflections and educational activities designed to support self-care, mental health and collective well-being. Developed through international collaboration between partner organisations, the toolkit explores care as a relational, social and ecological practice.
Through research, workshops and creative methodologies, participants are invited to reflect on self-care, emotional literacy, community building, interdependence and sustainable ways of living together. The publication includes practical exercises, participatory methods and resources that can be used by youth workers, educators and young people in different learning contexts.
2. Cards for self – care!
These self-care cards were created during international workshops involving participants from Italy, France, Greece and the Netherlands. Designed as practical and reflective tools, they invite young people and youth workers to explore care as a daily practice through simple actions, creative exercises and moments of personal reflection.
Each card combines an evocative image with a short activity focused on topics such as setting boundaries, listening to your needs, finding moments of rest, expressing yourself creatively and reconnecting with your emotions. The cards can be used individually or in groups, offering accessible ways to cultivate wellbeing, self-awareness and resilience in everyday life.
3. Taking Care of Our Relational Ecosystem – A Resource Book for Youth Workers
This resource book supports youth workers in exploring relationships, emotional wellbeing, care, and social connection with young people. Through art-based activities, reflective exercises, and practical methodologies, it offers tools to address topics such as communication, consent, attachment styles, emotional responsibility, safety in relationships, and community care.
Developed within the Ecologies of Care project, the publication encourages critical thinking, empathy, and the creation of inclusive spaces where young people can reflect on their relational experiences and strengthen their interpersonal skills.
Project n°: 2024-2-IT03-KA220-YOU-000284990
Duration: 01.02.2024 – 31.05.2025
Coordinator: MOH
The “Body Shining” project is funded by the Agenzia Nazionale per i Giovani within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 2, Strategic Partnerships in the youth field.
Partners
