In January 2026, Per Esempio ETS participated in an international training activity in Žilina within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme (Adult Education), as part of the project Comic Relief.
The five-day in-person seminar brought together 22 participants, including project staff and external youth workers, for an intensive exchange of practices aimed at strengthening responses to youth mental health challenges, with a particular focus on anxiety prevention.
A hands-on journey into Humour Therapy
The training was designed as an experiential learning pathway, based on pre-selected methodologies that place humour and creativity at the centre of educational and social work practices. Participants engaged in workshops on:
- Clowning
- Stand-up comedy
- Art and emotions
- Art and design
- Team building
All sessions were led by trainers with strong expertise in theatre-based approaches and group dynamics. Each workshop combined practical experimentation with structured reflection, enabling participants to experience the methods first-hand before analysing their potential educational and psychosocial impact.
A distinctive feature of the seminar was the collective evaluation process following each activity. Partners reflected together on when, how, and in which contexts these methodologies can be appropriately used by social workers, youth workers, trainers and educators working with young people. This reflective dimension ensured that humour is approached ethically, intentionally and inclusively – not as entertainment, but as a carefully facilitated tool for wellbeing and connection.
Building the foundation for the Comic Relief Handbook
The training equipped 12 staff members and 7 external youth workers with practical and innovative techniques to address mental health issues among young people. Beyond individual capacity building, the seminar created a shared methodological framework that will guide upcoming local piloting activities and dissemination actions.
Most importantly, the training in Žilina laid the foundation for the development of our upcoming handbook:
“This Is Not a Joke: Humour-Based Practices for Youth, Wellbeing and Social Connection.”
This publication – specifically designed for social workers, youth workers and educators – will systematise the methodologies tested during the training and translate them into clear, accessible and adaptable tools. The handbook will include:
- Step-by-step activity guidelines
- Reflections on ethical boundaries and risk management
- Practical recommendations for integrating humour-based practices into daily work with young people
The handbook is currently being finalised and will soon be available as a free downloadable learning resource on our project webpage:
COMIC RELIEF – Youth City