The new format is made possible by a cooperation between the city of Linz and the health club Proges, the target group are schoolgirls between the ages of 12 and 16. “Our children and young people have now experienced two years in a state of emergency away from normal rhythms and habits. The uncertainties and unpredictability associated with the corona pandemic are still great, ”says Eva Schobesberger (Greens), City Councilor for Women and Education. With the workshop “Corona – and what happens now?” The participants should have the opportunity to discuss their fears and worries together with a psychologist.
“We know from our daily work that young people in particular react particularly strongly to this exceptional situation with emotional and psychosomatic complaints,” says Proges Managing Director Doris Polzer. The new workshop also takes into account gender-specific differences, so girls rate their subjective health worse than boys. They are also more likely to be affected by depressive moods and anxiety disorders.
The workshop is divided into two parts, each lasting 90 minutes and taking place two weeks apart. Under the guidance of a clinical psychologist, the students can talk about their fears, worries and insecurities and work out concrete improvement strategies together. The participants get to know specific practical everyday aids for dealing with the Corona crisis in a healthy and positive way and receive age-appropriate input to be able to master crisis situations well. Digital tools such as apps or online programs are also an issue, Polzer continues. Some applications that support mental balance are presented and tried out.
The city of Linz is investing 3,500 euros in the pilot project. The workshops can be booked immediately and are free of charge for middle schools and polytechnic schools in the city of Linz. If the offer is well received, another rollout is planned, says Schobesberger.
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Source: Nachrichten
