JOYFUL:
Journey of Optimising Well-being through Fun and Unique Learning

Program: Erasmus+

Key action: Partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices

Action Type: Small-scale partnerships in adult education

Project Reference: 2023-2-DE02-KA210-ADU-000178079

Start Date - End Date: 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024

Duration: 12 months

Our role: Partner

Topics

• Physical and mental health, well-being
• New learning and teaching methods and approaches

The JOYFUL project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, aims to improve workplace well-being through innovative tools and engaging methodologies. Designed specifically for NGOs and educators, JOYFUL blends fun and education to make mental health and well-being a priority in organizational environments.

The background of the JOYFUL project is rooted in addressing a critical issue faced by many NGO professionals: workplace well-being. Recognizing the high levels of stress and burnout within the NGO sector, where employees and volunteers are often deeply committed to impactful, but demanding, causes, the project aims to provide innovative tools to foster better mental health and work satisfaction.

The JOYFUL project was conceptualized under the Erasmus+ framework to bridge this gap by developing a board game and training methodology. These tools are designed to create a fun yet effective approach to tackling workplace challenges, promoting mindfulness, resilience, and stronger team dynamics. By focusing on interactive learning, JOYFUL seeks to engage NGO employees and volunteers in a way that’s practical, relatable, and impactful.

The project is driven by an international consortium of partners from Germany, Greece, and Romania, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Their collective goal is to ensure that the tools developed are adaptable across different cultural and organizational contexts, making JOYFUL accessible to NGOs throughout Europe.

At its core, JOYFUL is about creating a ripple effect: supporting the mental health and well-being of NGO staff, enhancing workplace environments, and, ultimately, enabling these organizations to better serve their communities. Through its innovative approach and collaborative spirit, JOYFUL is set to become a cornerstone resource for NGOs committed to nurturing their teams and achieving sustainable impact.

1️⃣ Promote Workplace Well-being

🧘‍♀️Develop innovative tools to support mental health and resilience among NGO staff.

2️⃣ Enhance Training Opportunities

🎲 Create an educational board game and a Trainer’s Guide to empower NGOs in fostering well-being.

3️⃣ Foster Collaboration and Awareness

🤝 Unite organizations across Europe to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace.

Funded by the European Union. 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.

Project Reference: 2023-2-DE02-KA210-ADU-000178079