Giardini Naxos, Sicily – May 22-23, 2025
 The Urban Wellness project launched with a dynamic and inspiring Kick-Off Meeting in the scenic town of Giardini Naxos, bringing together youth workers, educators, psychologists, and creative minds from across Europe. Hosted by Associazione Culturale Idee In Movimento at the community hub “Città dei Saperi,” this first activity laid a solid foundation for the project's mission: building emotional and entrepreneurial resilience through psychogeography.

✨ What is Psychogeography, and Why Does It Matter?

At the heart of the Urban Wellness initiative is psychogeography—a powerful blend of art, psychology, and urban exploration. Ms. Helena Kyrtzi, psychologist and member of ComMedi, delivered the core presentation of the meeting, unraveling the theoretical and practical dimensions of this method. Drawing from traditions of dadaism, situationism, and environmental psychology, Ms. Kyrtzi introduced participants to the concept of the dérive: a “destinationless walk” through the city that allows individuals to perceive urban spaces emotionally and intuitively.

Her session emphasized how psychogeography acts as a tool for qualitative research, self-awareness, and collective resilience. Participants were invited to experiment with self-observation, associative writing, and alternative mapping practices that center on people’s lived experiences in urban areas—especially gentrified or neglected neighborhoods. These practices are intended not only to explore emotions and spatial dynamics but also to document and reimagine the city through digital tools and creative storytelling.

📍 Highlights of the Two-Day Program

●       Project Overview & Responsibilities: Partners aligned on the project’s scope and their roles, ensuring a strong collaborative framework from the start.

●       Psychogeography Training: Led by ComMedi, this session set the theoretical groundwork and sparked practical inspiration for field activities in each partner country.

●       Communication & Monitoring Plans: Channels for collaboration, reporting systems, and evaluation tools were established to ensure smooth implementation.

●       Action Planning: The partners concluded with the first steps toward the upcoming Trainers Workshop in Turkey and outlined deadlines for the next virtual check-in.

🎯 The Road Ahead

With Activity 1 now complete, the Urban Wellness team moves forward equipped with a shared vision, innovative methodology, and strong partnerships. The presentation by Ms. Kyrtzi provided not just a conceptual framework but a motivational spark—reminding all that the city belongs to those who walk it with intention and imagination.

Stay tuned as this groundbreaking project continues to map new pathways for youth empowerment, emotional health, and civic participation across Europe.