Project Information
Project Reference: 2023-1-RO01-KA220-YOU-000154837
Status: Completed
Duration: 22 September 2023 – 21 September 2025
EU Grant: 128,800 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Strategic Partnerships for Youth
Countries Involved: Romania, Italy, Cyprus
Project Background
The project Youth Vulnerabilities in a Europe Without Borders, also known as JANUS, was created to respond to the growing mental health challenges faced by young people in Europe. Many young people today experience stress, anxiety, isolation, stigma, and uncertainty about their future. These problems became even stronger after the pandemic and other social changes in Europe.
The project aimed to offer young people a safe and creative space where they could express themselves, feel understood, and connect with others. Instead of using only formal or clinical approaches, JANUS introduced a more human and artistic method based on storytelling, theatre, and shared experience.
Main Objective
The main goal of JANUS was to develop and test Autobiographical Theatre (AT) as a practical method to support youth mental well-being and social inclusion. The idea was to help young people explore their personal experiences in a safe and respectful way, while also building confidence, resilience, and stronger social ties.
Another important aim was to train youth workers, artists, educators, and other professionals to use this method in their own communities. In this way, the project was designed not only to help participants directly, but also to create long-term educational value.
Why the Project Was Important
The project addressed several important needs of young people. These included emotional expression, peer support, self-confidence, identity development, and a stronger sense of belonging. Many young people need support, but not all of them feel comfortable asking for help in traditional settings.
JANUS offered a different path. Through creative work and group processes, participants could speak about their experiences without fear of judgement. This helped reduce stigma around mental health and encouraged more open and honest conversations.
Implementation
The project was implemented through a structured artistic and educational process across several countries. One of the first major activities was the Training of Trainers in Autobiographical Theatre, followed by the Artistic Cohabitation Residency in Limassol, Cyprus, in February 2024. During this period, youth workers and artists explored storytelling, movement, improvisation, and collective creation.
After this phase, the methodology was adapted and tested locally in Romania and Cyprus, and later also validated through workshops in Italy, Romania, and Cyprus. These activities helped the partnership improve the method and make it more useful for different youth contexts.
Main Activities
The core of the project was based on creative workshops and group work. Participants explored personal stories, emotions, identity, and life experiences through theatre exercises and artistic expression. The process encouraged trust, reflection, and mutual understanding.
A key highlight of the project was the JANUS Festival, held from 2 to 5 June 2025 in Romania. This event brought together the artistic results of the project and gave participants the opportunity to present their work to the public. It also created a space for dialogue, empathy, and community engagement.
Key Results
JANUS produced several important educational and creative outputs. One of the main results was the JANUS Digital Platform, which serves as an open online space for resources, materials, and dissemination. The project also developed a multilingual JANUS E-Booklet, which explains the methodology and can be used by youth workers and educators in different countries.
In addition, the project created newsletters, videos, training materials, and festival communication tools. These resources help ensure that the project results remain useful and accessible even after the official end of the project.
Impact
The project had a meaningful impact on both participants and professionals. Young people gained confidence, emotional awareness, and stronger communication skills. They also felt more seen, heard, and connected to others through the creative process.
At the same time, the project helped professionals learn a new method that can be applied in youth work, education, and community settings. JANUS also raised public awareness about youth vulnerability, resilience, and mental health through performances, public events, and online communication.
Conclusion
Youth Vulnerabilities in a Europe Without Borders showed that art can be a powerful tool for mental well-being, inclusion, and social connection. By using autobiographical theatre, the project created a safe and meaningful way for young people to express themselves and transform personal experiences into shared understanding.
Its biggest strength was the combination of creativity, education, and emotional support. JANUS proved that when young people are given space, trust, and the right tools, they can turn vulnerability into strength and become active voices in their communities.
