New E.R.A. (Engage. Root. Action)

ended

The past few years of COVID-19 has impacted people, communities, organisations, the environment in many ways: people are more afraid to interact, many became unemployed especially entrepreneurs rural areas, communities have lost their sense of connection (especially with international youngsters), tourism got affected, organisations downsized and their lands/places were neglect due to no capacity or no projects running – not to mention the mental and physical health implications on every individual. This has taken a toll on people’s wellbeing overall, which also impacted health and social care systems. The New E.R.A. - a three-year-long project consists of 6 volunteering opportunities in 4 different countries (GR, NL, ES, BG) involving in total of 90 volunteers for 30 days each – learning, making an impact in four very different cultures and environments. The Volunteering Team activities focus on preventing, promoting and supporting healthy lifestyle in rural or countryside areas, more specifically the project focuses on mental wellbeing (year 1), community wellbeing (year 2) and physical wellbeing (year 3). As a main aspect of the project will focus on eco-connection (building an environment that is healthy for future participants) and inclusivity of local communities/society (vulnerable groups such as geographically isolated locals, elderly, migrants, juvenile youngsters, people with mental health difficulties, LGBTQ+, unemployed youngsters, drug and alcohol-dependence, Roma minority). We introduce complementary activities, such as workshops from local people, visiting farms/families, community work and organising community events. We also aim to raise awareness and promote our work by focusing on one topic (from above) each year on social media. We do this through encouraging youngsters to record their progress and experiences during the volunteering activities to the wider community of Europe to create dialogue.