Mind in Balance

UNDERSTAND: Mental Health, Well-being & Resilience

09:30-13:30 | Training Session

Understanding Mental Health and Building a Culture of Well-being

Introduction to the aims and learning objectives of the seminar and exploration of how these can be achieved throughout the six-day programme.

• What do we mean by mental health and emotional well-being?
• Recognising factors that influence our emotional health
• Stress and its impact on everyday life
• Emotional awareness
• Resilience and coping strategies
• Creating psychologically supportive environments
• Sharing experiences and good practices from different European countries
• Setting personal learning goals for the week

The session will combine presentations, group discussions, practical exercises and collaborative activities.

18:00-20:00 | Guided City Tour – Included

"Larnaca: Past & Present"

Guided walking tour through the historic centre of Larnaca. Participants will discover important historical and cultural locations while becoming familiar with the city that will host them for the week. The tour will also highlight useful areas, cafes, restaurants and places that participants may wish to explore independently during their free time.

CONNECT WITH NATURE: Nature, Well-being & Environmental Awareness

Full-Day Experiential Learning Activity

Pedoulas Environmental Education Centre & Troodos Mountains

07:45 – Departure from Larnaca. Participants will meet at a designated central meeting point in Larnaca, which will be communicated to them in advance.

09:30-10:00 – Arrival & Welcome – Introduction to the day's programme and safety briefing.

10:00-15:30 – Village, Nature & Cultural Exploration

• Nature hike and exploration of the natural environment
• Walk in the vicinity of a waterfall
• Brunch in a nearby picnic area
• Exploration of the traditional village of Pedoulas
• Visit to the Folklore Museum
• Visit to a UNESCO-listed painted church
• Activities connecting nature with emotional well-being
• Reflection on the role of nature in stress reduction and mental health

15:30 – Departure from Pedoulas

17:30 – Return to Larnaca

Key Theme

Nature as a Tool for Mental Health and Well-being

Participants will reflect on how outdoor education, nature-based activities and cultural experiences can contribute to emotional regulation, social connection and personal well-being.

EXPRESS: Arts, Creativity & Emotional Health

09:30-13:30 | Training & Workshop

The Combination of Arts and Emotional Health

A practical and creative session exploring how artistic expression can support mental and emotional well-being.

• Art as a means of emotional expression
• Creativity and stress reduction
• Expressing emotions without words
• Music, colour and emotions
• Creative reflection
• Practical arts-based well-being activities
• Adapting creative activities for educational and professional settings

Participants will experience activities themselves and consider how these approaches can be transferred to their own professional environments.

18:00-20:00 | Optional Well-being & Social Activity

Sunset Boat Tour – Larnaca Bay

A relaxing sunset cruise offering participants an opportunity to experience the Mediterranean environment and interact informally with other members of the group.

Optional participation. Indicative cost: EUR 25 per person, including drinks according to the cruise provider's package.

PAUSE: Mindfulness, Self-Care & Emotional Balance

09:30-13:30 | Training & Experiential Workshop

Mindfulness and Emotional Health

A practical session focusing on mindfulness as a tool for managing stress, developing self-awareness and supporting emotional health.

• Understanding mindfulness
• Recognising stress and emotional overload
• Mindful breathing
• Grounding techniques
• Relaxation techniques
• Self-awareness and emotional regulation
• Self-care and healthy boundaries
• Preventing professional burnout
• Practical mindfulness activities for use with children, young people and adults

16:00-21:00 | Optional Cultural Experience

Nicosia Old City – A Journey through History, Culture & Identity

Private guided cultural excursion to Nicosia.

• Exploration of Nicosia's historic Old City
• Venetian Walls
• The Green Line and Buffer Zone
• Discussion of Nicosia as Europe's last divided capital
• Crossing to the northern part of the old city, subject to applicable crossing requirements
• Cultural and historical interpretation
• Additional heritage stops where feasible within the itinerary

Participants wishing to cross the checkpoint must carry an accepted valid travel document.

Optional participation – indicative cost: EUR 50 per person for the private tour.

MOVE, REFLECT & THRIVE: Body and Mind

Beach Well-being Experience

09:45-10:45 | Yoga & Wellness Workshop

A guided session connecting gentle physical activity, breathing, relaxation and emotional well-being.

11:00-12:00 | Team-Building Beach Activities

Collaborative games designed to strengthen communication, trust, teamwork and positive social interaction.

12:15-13:15 | SUP / Kayak Experience

Introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding and/or kayaking with instruction. The activity provides an experiential example of how physical activity, nature and positive challenge can contribute to confidence, stress management and well-being.

Optional SUP/Kayak activity – indicative cost: EUR 20 per participant, including instruction.

13:15-13:30 | Closing Ceremony & Certificates

• Final reflection
• Sharing key learning points
• Personal commitments and future application
• Participant feedback
• Certificates of participation
• Group photograph

From 13:30 | End of Programme

Participants may return to Larnaca city centre or choose to spend the remainder of the day relaxing at the beach. Participants departing on Friday evening can travel to the airport following the programme. Alternatively, departure can be arranged for Saturday, allowing participants an additional evening in Larnaca.