By Francesca Pierpaoli, PR & Communications Manager at MOAS
In May, I had the privilege of joining a powerful training experience in Luxembourg: YouthFirst – Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being in Youth Work. Hosted by the Luxembourgish National Agency ANEFORE and MartyLux Coaching, this five-day programme brought together youth workers, mentors, and educators from across Europe to deepen our understanding of mental health and improve how we support young people, especially in the face of crisis.
At MOAS, we’ve long recognised that working with young people and European Solidarity Corps volunteers requires not just compassion, but practical tools. This training was a chance to pause, reflect, and grow.
A Safe Space to Learn and Connect
The training was held at the peaceful Parc Hotel Alvisse, surrounded by greenery on the edge of Luxembourg City. From the start, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We weren’t just attendees, we were part of a temporary community built on openness, empathy, and a shared desire to make a difference.
The first day focused on getting to know one another and establishing a group atmosphere of safety and trust. It was clear from the beginning that this wouldn’t be a traditional classroom setup. Instead, we were invited to explore our own feelings, assumptions, and experiences.
Body, Mind, and Heart: Tools for Real-Life Support
The training was led by two inspiring experts: Martina Širol, a long-time youth trainer working with Erasmus+ and ESC programmes, and Petar Dukić, a counselling therapist and educator trained in integrative body-oriented psychotherapy.
What made their approach unique was the balance between theory and hands-on practice. We didn’t just talk about stress, trauma, and anxiety, we learned how they manifest physically, how to spot signs in others, and how to respond using body-based techniques and mindful presence.
We explored methods rooted in movement, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. From grounding exercises to simple breathwork, every tool was designed to be realistic, accessible, and adaptable to youth work settings. Importantly, we also discussed the boundaries of our role – understanding when to offer support, and when to refer to professional help.
One of the most impactful elements for me was the introduction of the “Human Library” method. During these sessions, we heard directly from young people about their mental health journeys. Here is one of the stories:
Michael, 20: “I was born in Romania to an American mother and Hungarian father. I lived in Romania for about 5 years before moving to Hungary for 5 more years. I had to then move back to Romania and live there for 6 years until moving to Sweden and staying there for one year. I then moved to the US for 2 years and completed high school. All these changes impacted me because every time I had to start from scratch, I had to find friends and adjust to new schools. I suffer from dyslexia, ADHD and all this travelling caused me severe depression with suicidal thoughts. With the support of my family and psychotherapy, I managed to enrol in a school for commercial diving, and I love it. I feel more stable and I love to work for underwater operations”.
Listening without judgment, being fully present, and hearing their voices in such a personal setting was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Building My Own Toolkit
Throughout the training, I was encouraged to create a personalised mental health toolkit; not just for the youth I work with, but also for myself and my colleagues. Working in humanitarian aid can be emotionally demanding, and this experience reminded me that we can only effectively support others if we take care of our well-being first.
The programme closed with reflection and integration: what we learned, what we’ll take back home, and how to apply it. I left not only with new tools, but with a renewed sense of clarity and responsibility.
Why This Matters for MOAS
At MOAS, we are committed to protecting life and human dignity, whether in conflict zones or within local communities. As part of this mission, we welcome ESC volunteers and work closely with asylum seekers, displaced people, and youth experiencing extreme vulnerability. These young people often carry visible and invisible scars.
After this training, I feel better equipped to support them not by trying to “fix” their problems, but by providing safe spaces, listening actively, and understanding when and how to intervene constructively.
As communications professionals, we also shape how stories are told. Understanding mental health from a youth perspective helps us speak more empathetically and responsibly about their challenges.
Final thoughts
I’m grateful to ANEFORE, Martina, Petar, and all the fellow participants for creating such a meaningful learning space. The conversations we shared and the tools we exchanged will stay with me.
Mental health is not a side issue, it’s at the heart of any meaningful youth engagement. I’m looking forward to bringing what I’ve learned into our MOAS‘ programmes and to continuing to grow in how we care, communicate, and connect with the next generation.
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