On June 20, fifteen young people from across Latvia gathered in Riga for a one-day training dedicated to something that’s often left out of everyday conversations, emotional wellbeing. As part of the RECOVER project, the workshop invited participants to explore their inner world using creative, non-formal tools from the Healing Dragons manual, built on the Dragon Dreaming approach. The aim wasn’t to teach theory or give advice, it was to hold space, listen deeply, and co-create meaning around the challenges young people face today.

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The day began with a check-in using colour cards and emotion words, setting the tone for openness and mutual respect. Within moments, the atmosphere shifted, there were no long presentations or strict roles, just a group of peers, all with something to share and something to learn. Through simple games and visioning exercises, participants created a group agreement and named the values they wanted to live by during the day: honesty, listening, and kindness.

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One of the first group activities was a vision circle where everyone imagined what mental wellbeing looks like in their lives. The responses were as diverse as the participants themselves: “freedom to feel without shame,” “real friendships,” and “quiet time with no expectations.” Using storytelling tools like the Hero’s Journey and body mapping, the group explored how emotions live in our bodies and how to give form to feelings we don’t always have words for. For many, it was the first time they were asked to describe what anxiety or sadness might look like if it were a dragon, and the first time they were heard without judgment.

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In the second part of the day, creativity took the lead. Participants built dream boards and resilience maps, using collage, drawing, and shared reflection to make sense of their personal experiences. These weren’t abstract art projects, they were visual stories of growth, pain, and hope. A quiet group in the morning had turned into a room full of laughter, deep conversations, and mutual encouragement. One participant said, “I didn’t know I needed this, but I really did. It’s like I let go of something I didn’t even know I was carrying.”

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The workshop closed with a celebration circle where everyone named one insight they were taking with them. Several participants stayed afterward, asking for ways to bring these tools into their school, youth group, or personal routines. What emerged by the end of the day wasn’t just emotional awareness, but a sense of community. For a few hours, the group created a safe, non-judgmental space where emotions could be seen, named, and respected.

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This training showed that when young people are given tools and trust, they rise to the occasion, not just for themselves but for each other. The Healing Dragons approach gave them a new language to talk about mental health, one rooted in creativity, courage, and shared humanity.

We’re grateful to all who participated and shared their inner dragons with bravery and grace. More trainings are coming soon, and we hope this spark continues to grow across youth spaces in Latvia and beyond.