Nature and Awareness-Driven Wellbeing for Youth Workers
An Erasmus+ project to take care of those who care of others
What changed for youth workers in 5 days + 5 months?
“I realized I can pause before reacting, and that changes everything in my work with youth.”
— Participant, NADYW
What is NADYW?
NADYW is an initiative supporting the wellbeing of youth workers through Awareness Through the Body (ATB), nature-based practices, and a vibrant community of practice. Delivered by Social Innovators Bulgaria (SIB) and Evolving Education Social Action (EESA) and co-funded by the Erasmus+ European program, the project helps build emotional resilience, deepen self-awareness, and foster community connection.
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This project supports youth workers through:
- Training in the Awareness Through the Body methodology.
- 5-day wellbeing retreat in Bulgaria.
- Build connections with 20 passionate youth workers across Europe.
- Gain tools for emotional regulation, focus and resilience.
- Get long-term support in a Community of Practice.
- Access expert insights and implementation guides.
The ATB Methodology
Awareness Through the Body (ATB) is a holistic methodology created in the international community of Auroville, originally to help children cultivate attention, emotional balance, and body awareness. It blends techniques from yoga, dance, martial arts, Tai chi and shiatsu. Its fun and dynamic approach to mindfulness helps individuals connect with their inner state, improve focus, manage emotions, and build resilience, making it a powerful tool for youth work and self-care. NADYW’s retreat includes two days focused on ATB self-care tools.
5-day wellbeing retreat in Bulgaria
Why join?
- Get trained in the mind-body ATB methodology.
- Enjoy a 5-day wellbeing retreat in Bulgaria.
- Connect with 20 passionate youth workers across Europe.
- Gain tools for emotional regulation, focus and resilience.
- Get long-term support in a Community of Practice.
- Access expert insights and implementation guides.
- All for free and with paid travel and accommodation.
Project Stages
To get the most out of the NADYW experience, selected youth workers will be asked to commit to the full journey of the project, which includes:
- Participant selection: application form and commitment letter (April 2025).
- Online preparation: two 2h readiness sessions (Jun-July 2025).
- In-person retreat: 5-day immersive retreat in Sofia (11-15th August 2025).
- Community of practice: 5 monthly 2h online gatherings + podcast series (Aug-Dec 2025).
- Impact evaluation: filling a digital resilience assessment at 3 time points, and sharing insights about how you integrate the wellbeing tools into your life and work.
Spots are limited to 15 participants. Priority will be given to motivated youth workers and those supporting vulnerable groups.
Participant Journey
Funded by the European Union. Ref: 2024-3-BG01-KA210-YOU-000267134. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.