From September 1st to 7th, 2024, Friends of Don Bosco (Malta) proudly launched the inaugural edition of a transformative training course titled Out of the Blue. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, this first-of-its-kind initiative equipped youth workers and educators with essential knowledge and skills to address stress, depression, and anxiety among young people.

The course leveraged the therapeutic power of blue spaces, such as coastal areas, to enhance mental well-being. Through non-formal, experiential, and practical learning methods, participants explored the connections between water, youth work, and mental health. Activities included stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), music and rhythm workshops, and free diving, offering immersive experiences that combined physical activity with emotional healing.

By fostering a deeper understanding of mental health challenges, the programme encouraged participants to develop inclusive strategies tailored to support young people with fewer opportunities. The course emphasized nature’s role in promoting mental well-being and provided participants with practical tools to implement in their daily lives and youth work.

The impact of Out of the Blue extends beyond the training—participants left inspired and equipped to create a positive ripple effect on the mental health of the young people they support. This innovative approach underscores the importance of harnessing natural environments to address mental health issues, fostering resilience and growth in both youth and their mentors.