The Erasmus+ project, „Back to Nature: Empowering Youth Against Addiction through Forest Therapy” has been launched to address youth addiction and promote mental well-being through the power of nature. The 21-month initiative brings together organizations from Slovenia, Serbia, and Portugal to create innovative strategies for addiction prevention.
Led by SGLZŠ Postojna (Postojna Forestry, Wood Technology and Nursing Secondary Vocational School) in Slovenia, the project’s key partners include Poenta from Serbia and FTHub from Portugal. Together, they aim to empower young people aged 16-30 through Forest Therapy, focusing on the prevention of substance abuse, particularly the misuse of energy drinks.
Objectives and Key Activities
The primary goal of the project is to develop creative and evidence-based methods that promote mental health and resilience. The initiative will promote youth empowerment, encourage nature-based interventions, and provide tools for addiction prevention. A complete manual detailing Forest Therapy Activities will serve as a practical resource for youth workers, educators, and mental health professionals across Europe.
To achieve these objectives, the project will undertake the following activities:
- Research and Data Collection: Conducting studies on addiction trends among young people in Slovenia, Serbia, and Portugal.
- Youth Worker Training: Hosting a kick-off meeting to equip youth workers with forest therapy tools.
- Addiction Questionnaire Development: Creating and distributing a survey to gather insights into youth habits and substance use.
- Focus Groups: Engaging young people in discussions to co-design Forest Therapy solutions.
- Youth Mobility Event: A 6-day immersive experience in Slovenia where participants will explore forest therapy, share knowledge, and strengthen European values.
- Manual Creation and Pilot Testing: Developing a forest therapy manual and testing it with young participants in Slovenia and Serbia.
- Evaluation and Dissemination: Evaluating the effectiveness of the manual, translating it into English, Slovenian, and Serbian, and promoting it through events, social media, and platforms like SALTO and EPALE.
The project places a strong emphasis on the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities. By actively involving marginalized youth, the initiative seeks to promote social inclusion, mental health awareness, and environmental stewardship. It also reinforces EU values by encouraging cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.
A Collaborative Effort
Each partner brings valuable expertise to the project. SGLZŠ contributes its extensive experience in forestry education and youth engagement, Poenta offers insights into mental health and addiction prevention, while FTHub provides specialized knowledge in Forest Therapy and nature-based interventions.
This collaborative approach ensures the creation of a practical, adaptable manual that will support youth workers in addressing addiction through nature-based solutions. The project not only offers innovative tools for tackling addiction but also promotes a stronger connection between young people and nature for well-being and resilience.
The Back to Nature project marks a significant step toward supporting youth in overcoming addiction, a common critical issue in many countries of the world.
At the core of this project lies nature as a fundamental tool for recovery and accompaniment in the returning to a healthy life where the young can regain control over themselves through the pleasure of connecting with nature as a safe space for wellbeing, calm and security.
Funded by the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2025–2026, with a budget of EUR 60,000.
