New Beginnings: Initiative for Overcoming Addictions – Building Awareness Through Creativity, Reflection, and Collaboration

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “New Beginnings: Initiative for Overcoming Addictions” (Project No: 2024-1-PL01-KA152-YOU-000220301) was implemented in Lublin, Poland between 9–16 December 2024 under the coordination of Stowarzyszenia Polish Healthy Life Association. The project brought together young participants from Türkiye, Austria, Italy, Romania, and Poland, while GrüneInitiative Verein took part as a project partner. Through a series of non-formal learning activities, participants explored the causes, consequences, and prevention of addictions, with a particular focus on gambling and online betting, while strengthening their social, creative, and professional competencies.

One of the key activities encouraged participants to critically examine games commonly played during childhood and discuss the fine line between innocent entertainment and gambling-related behaviors. By reflecting on the origins and evolution of certain games, participants gained a deeper understanding of how gambling habits can sometimes develop through normalized social practices. These discussions promoted critical thinking and helped participants recognize risk factors that may influence addictive behaviors later in life. Interactive game-based learning also strengthened group cohesion and encouraged intercultural dialogue among participants.

The project further emphasized media literacy and storytelling through a comprehensive documentary production process. Participants first received practical training in filming, editing, montage, sound management, and visual storytelling techniques. Building on these newly acquired skills, they worked in international teams to conduct interviews with individuals affected by gambling addiction, family members, and mental health professionals. This hands-on experience enabled participants to better understand the social and emotional impact of addiction while simultaneously developing valuable digital and communication skills. The documentary production process transformed theoretical knowledge into meaningful educational content with long-term awareness-raising potential.

Creative expression and teamwork played a central role throughout the activities.

Participants collaborated to analyze collected interviews, organize documentary materials, and create a final audiovisual product that highlighted personal stories and expert perspectives. Through these tasks, they enhanced their ability to work in multicultural teams, solve problems collectively, and communicate sensitive social issues responsibly. The collaborative environment encouraged empathy, active listening, and mutual respect while demonstrating how creative media can be used as a powerful tool for social change.

The final phase of the project focused on self-reflection, evaluation, and the recognition of learning outcomes. Through Youthpass activities, self-assessment exercises, project evaluations, and the Six Thinking Hats methodology, participants reviewed their personal development and reflected on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they had gained throughout the exchange. Discussions, presentations, dissemination planning, and cultural exchange activities further reinforced the project's impact by promoting intercultural understanding and active citizenship. As a result, participants left the project with increased awareness of addiction-related issues, stronger social and professional competencies, and a commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles within their communities.