RESTART
Restoring emotional and psychological well-being
in and beyond prisons
About RESTART
The RESTART project is dedicated to restoring the emotional and psychological well-being of incarcerated individuals, promoting their reintegration into society, and equipping prison staff with effective tools and methodologies.
In response to the growing mental health crisis in European prisons the project focuses on enhancing support systems, fostering social-emotional skills, and building bridges between inmates, ex-prisoners, and external organizations.
Through innovative approaches, including non-verbal methods and structured learning pathways, RESTART empowers both detainees and prison staff, ensuring a more inclusive, rehabilitative, and humane correctional environment.
The project will follow 3 Objectives:
• O1 Provide
tools to the staff that works inside the prison to support the emotional and psychological well-being of the inmates
• O2 Support
the inmates in the development and re-discovery of their socio-emotional skills
• O3 Promote
(ex) prisoners’s social inclusion beyond the prisons.
Those 3 objectives will be achieved by working in 3 Phases RESTORE, RISE and RESTART:
• RESTORE
which focuses on gathering and analyzing intervention methodologies.
• RISE
which develops and tests a model to enhance inmates’ social-emotional skills.
• RESTART
which compiles recommendations, creates learning materials, and shares insights to promote social inclusion.
The eBook
As part of the RESTART project, we are proud to present our newly published eBook: Methodological Baseline for Educators. This resource was created to support professionals working with individuals who have experienced trauma or displacement, by offering evidence-based insights and practical approaches to restore emotional and psychological well-being.
The eBook brings together the results of extensive desk research and focus group interviews. It explores a wide range of methodologies—from Therapeutic Communities and Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) to Mindfulness, Physical Activity, and Expressive Arts Therapy.
With clear summaries and practical relevance, this publication serves as a foundation for educators and facilitators to design more compassionate, trauma-informed learning environments.
Feel welcome to explore and download the eBook in the language of your choice via the buttons below.
Transnational meeting 1
The kick-off meeting was an inspiring start to the project, bringing together a dedicated team in the beautiful setting of Nøsen Yoga and Mountain Hotel. Over three days, we combined insightful discussions with unique activities like ice swimming, yoga, and a mountain walk, creating a strong foundation for collaboration. Each partner shared valuable perspectives, and engaging presentations set a clear direction for the project. The warm atmosphere, productive sessions, and shared experiences made this an unforgettable and motivating beginning. Exciting steps lie ahead!
Transnational meeting 2
The second transnational meeting took place in the heart of Bologna, where partners gathered for two productive days of collaboration and planning. The agenda included key presentations on emotional and psychological well-being, piloting methods, and the development of learning resources. Engaging discussions shaped the next project phases, while administrative topics and training content were also explored. A full-day workshop deepened our understanding of the project’s core themes. The warm atmosphere, constructive exchanges, and shared dinners strengthened the team spirit and set the stage for the work ahead.
Project partners
Project number: KA220-ADU-CD437B45
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them