LetsTALK project’s main objective was to develop a MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION, PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMME targeted to young people for supporting them comprehensively in coping with mental health disorders in adulthood through the enhancement of LIFE SKILLS as well as to promote the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing. Other specific objectives: Improve young people’s knowledge about mental health; Equip young people with psychosocial skills for taking care and maintaining their mental health and wellbeing; End social stigma around mental health disorders by encouraging young people to speak about mental health disorders, share their experiences and support others if needed; Provide the needed material and practices to be adopted, to youth workers in order to raise their capacity to support young people with mental health disorders; Upgrade quality of youth workers through the development of and UPSKILLING TOOLKIT and an AR GAME APP, that would allow youth workers to use effective non-formal methods in reaching out young people, and especially those who are experiencing mental health disorders and social stigma; Improve young people’s self-esteem and resilience by promoting healthier attitudes and behaviors
The project was prompted by statistics reflecting the mental health of young people. Globally, it is estimated that 14% of 10-19 year-olds’ experience mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression (WHO 2021). What is more, UNICED has reported that suicide is the 4th most common cause of death among young people (aged 15-19). Young people are considered to be more vulnerable since they’re making many life changing choices at their early stage of their life. This project aimed to respond to the following needs: a) To strengthen resilience of of young people and equip them with the needed skills to form a psychosocial strong personality, b) To help young people cope with the economic consequences of the COVID 19 crisis, c) To empower young people through provision of information on mental health problems and opportunities for support and treatment d) To train youth workers in creating a balanced environment for them and young people by providing them ready to use tools and practices that would eventually raise the quality of the services they provide, e) To restore young people’s general wellbeing and mental stability which was affected by COVID 19.