​Successful launch of the workshops in Riga

In April the actions of MUCH MORE for middle-aged men was successfully started in all three project locations: Turku, Gävle and Riga. Throughout the year, Riga will run a program consisting of several workshops: practical healthy nutrition and cooking, art therapy and sports.  At the beginning, both the participants and trainers did not hide their concerns about the success of these activities - they were doubtful whether they will be able to cope with their tasks.
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Since the beginning of April nine workshops have already taken place and both the participants and trainers feel inspired by these activities which provide a lot of positive emotions and new experience for all. These practical workshops help both the “parties” recognise their strengths and weaknesses and to acquire new skills and knowledge. Art therapy has been chosen to improve persons’ mental and emotional well-being by providing the opportunity to express oneself artistically, improve self-esteem and awareness and to generate deeper understanding of oneself. During the first meeting the task was to write a letter to oneself or draw a picture “How I see myself within next 6 months”. The activities and tasks are different - the participants are encouraged to try various music instruments, improvise and discover themselves through art and music. Physical activities have been included in the programme to maintain or improve good physical health. Nutrition and cooking workshops are enjoyed most of all. The participants have expressed a wish to have them more often and to make more new and simple recipes. Conclusion after the first two months is that interests and skills of the men are different but the majority of the participants admit that they really enjoy the workshops and like that the tasks are understandable and results achievable.

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