Within the HEARTS project, partner organisations organised local workshops and various events to introduce young people and broader public to digital tools supporting mental wellbeing. Below are reports from these activities.
HEARTS Final Dissemination Webinar
11 March 2026
The HEARTS project consortium organised the final dissemination webinar presenting the key results of the Erasmus+ project HEARTS – Harnessing Digital and AI Tools for the Mental Health of Youth.
The online event gathered youth workers, educators, and representatives of organisations working with young people who were interested in exploring how digital and AI tools can be used as supportive educational resources in youth work.
The webinar opened with a short introduction to the project and the context that led to its development. Partners explained the growing importance of mental health in youth work and the increasing presence of digital technologies in the everyday lives of young people.
Participants were then introduced to the project methodology, including how digital tools were tested through workshops with young people and through reflections from youth work practice. Particular attention was given to the ethical dimension of using digital tools in the context of mental health, emphasising that such tools should be understood as supportive educational resources rather than therapeutic interventions.
One of the central parts of the webinar was the presentation of the main project results. The partnership introduced four functional categories of digital tools that can support youth mental health, highlighting practical examples of their use in youth work activities.
The webinar also presented the HEARTS Toolkit, a practical guide developed within the project. The toolkit provides youth workers and organisations with structured guidance, examples of workshops, and recommendations for the responsible use of digital and AI tools when addressing topics related to emotional well-being and mental health.
The event concluded with an open discussion where participants shared their reflections and experiences from working with young people and using digital tools in educational contexts.
The webinar represented an important step in disseminating the results of the project and encouraging youth workers and organisations to explore innovative ways of supporting young people’s well-being.
🎥 The recording of the webinar, presentation slides, and additional materials are available in the Media & Resources section of the project website.
HEARTS Local Event – Presentation of Project Results
10 March 2026
On Monday, March 9, the Youth Association Novotarium hosted a local dissemination event presenting the results of the Erasmus+ project HEARTS – Harnessing Digital and AI Tools for the Mental Health of Youth.
The event gathered youth workers, educators, and members of the local community interested in exploring new approaches to supporting young people’s mental health through digital and AI tools.
During the event, participants learned about the project activities, research findings, and practical experiences gained during the testing of digital tools designed to support emotional well-being among young people.
Several types of applications and platforms were introduced, including tools for:
• emotional awareness and mood tracking
• relaxation and stress management
• self-reflection and personal development
• digital peer support
Participants also discussed how these tools can be integrated into youth work activities, workshops, and educational programs.
An important part of the discussion focused on the responsible and critical use of digital technologies in youth work.
Digital tools can help young people better understand their emotions, build healthy habits, and access support more easily. However, the role of youth workers remains essential in guiding young people toward safe, ethical, and meaningful use of these technologies.
The event also introduced the HEARTS Toolkit, a practical resource created within the project. The toolkit includes workshop models, activities, and recommendations that youth workers can use when working with young people on topics related to mental health and digital well-being.
The event concluded with an open discussion where participants shared their experiences working with young people and reflected on the opportunities and challenges of using digital tools in youth work.
We would like to thank everyone who attended the event and contributed to the discussion and exchange of ideas.
Mind Upgrade Workshop – Rural Youth
23 January 2026 | Nova Gradiška, Croatia
The first Mind Upgrade workshop within the HEARTS project was organised by Studio B on 23 January 2026 in Nova Gradiška, Croatia. The session gathered 12 young participants from rural areas, many of whom regularly participate in activities organised by Studio B.
The workshop focused on helping young people better understand their digital habits and their influence on concentration, stress levels, and emotional wellbeing. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how frequently they check their phones, how notifications interrupt their focus, and how digital tools can be used in a healthier and more intentional way.
The session began with an interactive icebreaker where participants shared their “worst digital habits.” This activity created a relaxed atmosphere and encouraged open discussion about everyday challenges such as checking phones immediately after waking up or missing real-life conversations due to constant online engagement.
Participants were then introduced to several digital wellbeing applications, including Reflectly, How We Feel, and Insight Timer. The group was divided into two smaller teams to explore the mood-tracking applications Reflectly and How We Feel, allowing participants to compare their features and discuss how digital journaling can support emotional awareness.
One of the most appreciated moments of the workshop was a guided three-minute breathing exercise using Insight Timer, which demonstrated a simple mindfulness technique that participants can use in everyday situations to reduce stress and improve focus.
As part of the practical activities, participants also created personal focus plans, identifying strategies for reducing digital distractions and maintaining healthier online habits.
The workshop generated strong engagement and lively discussion. Participants expressed particular interest in tools that help track emotions and support reflection. Some participants also highlighted the challenge of maintaining digital boundaries in daily life and suggested exploring digital detox strategies in future sessions.
Overall, the workshop successfully introduced young people to digital tools that support mental wellbeing while encouraging more mindful and balanced use of technology.