PA Poland
Introduction – Poland Team Preparation Activities
Before joining the MENTAL COMFORT youth exchange, the Polish participants carried out a series of preparation activities focused on exploring how mental well-being can be supported through sports, creativity, and non-formal education. Through research, workshops, and presentations, they analyzed the current state of youth mental health in Poland, identifying major challenges such as high stress levels, social pressure, and limited access to psychological support.
Their work included studying best practices like the Youth Day event in Starachowice, where young people led workshops on emotional resilience and digital balance, as well as the Kitchen of Cultures initiative, which used culinary workshops to promote teamwork, intercultural exchange, and emotional well-being. Participants also examined national programs and projects connecting sport and mental health, emphasizing how movement and community engagement can strengthen mental comfort.
These preparatory efforts helped the Polish team better understand the project's key themes and equipped them with practical examples of how creativity, physical activity, and youth-led initiatives can promote mental health and personal growth.
Polish Team Research – "Mental Comfort and Sport"
The Polish group prepared an in-depth research presentation titled "Mental Comfort and Sport", exploring the connection between physical activity and youth mental health in Poland. Their work highlights major challenges such as stress, social pressure, and limited access to psychological care, while showcasing how sports and movement can enhance well-being and emotional balance. The research also presents national initiatives like Active Schools MultiSport, Sport for All Children, and School Sports Club (SKS) that promote inclusion and resilience through physical activity.
📄 You can download the full presentation in PDF format below to explore their findings and recommendations.
Best Practices in Poland
1st practice: "Youth Day"
This presentation, prepared by the Polish team for the MENTAL COMFORT project, showcases best practices in supporting youth mental health through non-formal education and peer-led initiatives. It focuses on the event "Youth Day" organized by the Starachowice Youth City Council (MRM Starachowice) and the Creativity Center "Pałacyk." The event combined expert lectures, interactive workshops, and discussions to help young people manage exam stress, technostress, and emotional challenges. It emphasized practical techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation, and movement as tools for improving mental balance. Fully designed and led by youth, the initiative encouraged participants to take ownership, develop emotional resilience, and step beyond their comfort zones through open dialogue and collaboration. The presentation highlights how such youth-driven, experiential learning activities foster empathy, confidence, and personal growth.
Best Practices in Poland
2nd practice: "Kitchen of Cultures"
This document, titled "Kitchen of Cultures," presents a creative best practice developed by Rozprawy o Europie (ROE) as part of the MENTAL COMFORT project. It describes how culinary workshops can serve as a powerful form of non-formal education, blending experiential learning, cultural exchange, teamwork, and emotional development. By using food as a universal language, the project promotes intercultural understanding, confidence, and community engagement. The initiative helps young people strengthen emotional resilience and social bonds while learning through collaboration and creativity. Designed to embody European values of unity and diversity, the "Kitchen of Cultures" model is both impactful and easily adaptable to local contexts such as schools or youth centers, offering a meaningful way to support youth mental health and inclusion.
Posters from Polish group
These posters were created by the Polish participants as part of their preparation for the MENTAL COMFORT project. Each visual explores key psychological concepts related to well-being, motivation, and personal growth. The posters focus on overcoming mental blocks such as fear and anxiety, understanding the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, and recognizing how sports and physical activity contribute to mental health. Through motivational quotes, practical tips, and creative design, the visuals encourage young people to build resilience, embrace challenges, and develop confidence. Together, these materials serve as an inspiring toolkit for promoting emotional balance, self-awareness, and growth among youth.