🇱🇻 Erasmus+ Training Course in Latvia ❄️ Eco Somatics Movement and Nature Connection 🌲

Description

"Embodied Belonging" is an Erasmus+ training in Latvia exploring eco-somatics, movement, and nature connection. For youth workers to cultivate presence, nervous system regulation, and grounded belonging to support youth well-being.

Activity Description

Embodied Belonging is an experiential Erasmus+ training course held in the quiet winter landscape of Latvia, designed to offer youth workers, trainers, and educators transformative tools rooted in eco-somatics, movement, and nature connection.

When the outer world freezes into white silence, this course invites us to turn inward—exploring how belonging can be felt as a grounded, inner state of being within our own skin. By integrating body awareness, nervous system regulation, and outdoor immersion into non-formal education, participants will learn how to support both themselves and young people in feeling more connected, present, and resilient.

Target Audience & Non-Formal Learning Context

This training is specifically tailored for 28 participants working in non-formal learning and youth work (youth workers, trainers, facilitators, space holders, and educators aged 22+) who interact directly with young people, including those working with marginalized or disadvantaged youth.

The program bridges personal practice and professional youth work methodology. Participants will gain practical, experiential NFE methods to bring fresh creativity, somatic grounding, and nature-based tools back to their local youth work practices.

Main Themes & Methodology

Eco-Somatics & Nervous System Regulation: Body-based tools to support youth mental health, emotional grounding, and self-care.

Relational Awareness & Communication: Nonviolent Communication (NVC), consent practices, Playfight, and empathetic sharing circles.

Movement & Creative Expression: Contact-inspired movement, dance jams, and sensory exercises.

Nature Immersions: Silent walks, winter hiking, and forest bathing in snow-covered pine forests.

Project Phases & Commitment

Selected participants commit to all three project phases:

Preparation: Pre-departure orientation and self-assessment.

10-Day Training Mobility: Full participation in Latvia (January 18–29, 2027).

Follow-Up: Facilitating at least one local non-formal workshop within two months of returning home to share these tools with young people in their communities.

Logistics & Practicalities

Venue: Laumas Guest House, Talsi Municipality, Latvia (a secluded forest sanctuary).

Atmosphere: An alcohol and drug-free learning environment.

Funding: Food, accommodation, and program costs are fully covered by Erasmus+. Travel reimbursement is provided up to Erasmus+ distance band limits.

Eligible Countries: Spain, France, Slovenia, Italy, and Latvia.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/WPQCs2pHuRRom5BK9

Activity details

Activity type

Training Course

Activity dates

18-29 January 2027

Location

Latvia

Application deadline

Application deadline (24h UTC): 14 October 2026

Selection date

18 December 2026

Participants

28

Recommended for

Youth workers, Trainers, Youth leaders, Youth Work Facilitators, Space Holders, Community Leaders, Non-Formal Educators, Social Workers

Working language

English

Organiser

Costs

Participation fee

No, there is no participation fee. Food, accommodation, and training materials are 100% funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, and travel costs are reimbursed up to the designated country budgets.

Accommodation and food

The hosting organisation (NGO Biedrība DaLiES) will organise and fully cover all accommodation and food costs for the duration of the training (January 18–29, 2027) at no cost to selected participants. Details Cost: 100% free for participants (fully co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme). Venue: Laumas Guest House (Talsi Municipality, Latvia), a peaceful forest sanctuary surrounded by nature. Accommodation: Provided on-site in shared rooms. Food: Full board is provided for the entire duration of the activity, including three daily nourishing meals and coffee/tea breaks. Dietary requirements and restrictions will be catered for based on the application forms.

Travel reimbursement

Travel costs will be reimbursed up to the maximum amounts specified for each eligible country: Spain: up to €395 per participant Italy: up to €309 per participant France: up to €309 per participant Slovenia: up to €309 per participant Latvia: up to €28 per participant Reimbursement will be processed via bank transfer following the activity, upon receipt of all original travel receipts/boarding passes and completion of the local dissemination activity. Mandatory travel insurance can also be reimbursed if it fits within the country's total travel budget.

Looking for participants from

5 countries can apply. The activity takes place in Latvia.