1. Collaborate with Nevypusť duši to create a high-quality, sustainable program of workshops for the prevention of eating disorders (EDs), improving the mental health and lifestyle of youth and enhancing their ability to prevent EDs 2. Raise awareness of EDs among school professionals so they can support children who seek help, encouraged by the workshop 3. Strengthen the partnership and collaboration between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in school-based mental health prevention, improving youth work in both organizations 4. Support the destigmatization of mental health issues among youth by organizing a destigmatization event 5. Promote awareness focused on self-image and body image among young people, as negative attitudes in these areas and appearance-based bullying are key risk factors for developing EDs 6. Support the entrepreneurship, skills, and competencies of young people with limited opportunities, and enhance the practical experience of students (Master's in psychology, social work, or nutritional therapy), who are essential as the preventive team for workshops 7. Engage and involve young people with personal experience of EDs in helping their peers
Our needs were driven by the current situation of a significant increase in mental health disorders caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which we continued to feel even two years after it began. Among disorders with the highest increase in incidence were (and still are) eating disorders (EDs) – according to data from the European Commission from the end of April 2021, the incidence of eating disorders increased by 30%. Given that 50% of chronic mental disorders emerge in youth, early detection of these conditions is crucial, which can be ensured through comprehensive prevention among young people in elementary and high schools. After the pandemic, we noticed an increased interest in our preventive workshops from both schools and the students themselves, but due to capacity, time, and financial constraints, we were unable to meet this demand. As both organizations encountered lack of information about mental health and a high level of stigma surrounding mental health issues among young people, their family members, and the general public, we also wanted to use this project to raise awareness about the need for ED prevention, destigmatize the topic of mental health, and empower young people to help themselves and those close to them.