TALES – From the Myth of Persephone to Women’s Empowerment

TALES invites youth workers into a deeply creative and transformative learning space where art, movement and nature become powerful tools for social change. The training explores how expressive arts—painting, dance-movement, storytelling, music and imagery—can support young women in vulnerable situations and strengthen the competences of the youth workers who accompany them.

At the centre of the program is the Marchio–Patti Integrated Method, an innovative multimodal art therapy and resilience-based approach designed specifically for social and educational contexts. Through experiential sessions, participants learn trauma-sensitive ways to foster well-being, emotional expression and inner stability in young women facing psychological or social challenges. The method combines creativity, embodiment, group connection and nature-based practices, empowering youth workers to create more inclusive, supportive and healing environments.

TALES focuses on youth workers who support migrant women, women living in Roma settlements, young mothers, and women experiencing discrimination, patriarchal pressure or domestic violence. The training aims to strengthen their competence in non-formal education, build confidence in trauma-informed methods, and provide practical tools to foster mental health, resilience and safety within their communities.

Throughout the week, participants explore how women’s circles, creative expression and peer learning can become accessible tools of empowerment and belonging. They work with multimodal arts, movement, collective creativity, group processes and resource-oriented exercises in the beautiful setting of Locri, surrounded by nature and community warmth.

Before the training, women’s circles will already begin in each partner country (starting January 2026). These circles create safe, non-formal learning spaces for women who have experienced violence or marginalisation, offering psychological and community support. The training course in Italy builds on this groundwork, providing youth workers with deeper methodological knowledge and shared reflection on how to sustain these circles long-term.

After the training, participants are invited to join the TALES Seminar in Budapest—a 5-day meeting with experts, psychologists, activists and youth workers from across Europe (optional but recommended). The seminar focuses on raising awareness, discussing gender-based violence, and sharing concrete practices for outreach, inclusion and mental health support.

Throughout the project, TALES develops several innovative outputs:

Tara – the Trauma-Sensitive AI Mentor, offering guidance and strategies for youth workers supporting marginalised young women

TALES Women Circles & Guide, providing a structured model for peer-led empowerment groups

TALES Cards & Ribbon of Peace, creative and interactive tools for educational and awareness-raising activities

TALES is aligned with key Erasmus+ priorities:

Inclusion & Diversity, by ensuring that young women from marginalised backgrounds access equal learning opportunities

Digital Transformation, through the use of Tara, the AI mentor

Youth Participation & Active Citizenship, by helping women amplify their voices and engage in community action

Mental Health & Well-being, by equipping youth workers with trauma-sensitive tools to nurture emotional resilience and personal growth

The training creates a nurturing learning atmosphere where participants feel supported, inspired and creatively engaged. It provides both practical methodologies and deep personal insight, enabling youth workers to transfer these approaches into their daily work and contribute to building safer, fairer and more inclusive communities.

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First seminar

​​​Where: Locri, Italy

When: February 16–22, 2026 (including travel days)

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Second seminar

Where: Budapest

When: June 6-11, 20026