Back to search

Youth Minds - Youth Voices

2023-1-DK01-KA153-YOU-0001449092023Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: DK|GE|AM|EE|BG|IT|EL|PL · Grant: €34,496
New learning and teaching methods and approachesPhysical and mental health, well-beingQuality and innovation of youth work

Objectives

The main aim of the project was to address the rising challenges faced by youth, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, in managing mental health issues. Globally, statistics reveal alarming trends: according to the WHO, approximately 14% of young people aged 10-19 experience mental health conditions, yet many remain untreated. (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health?utm_source=chatgpt.com) In Europe, 20% of youth report experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. For instance, Denmark’s National Health Profile (https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications/m/denmark-country-health-profile-2023) highlights that nearly 25% of young Danes aged 16-24 have experienced significant stress symptoms, with similar patterns observed in partner countries like Poland, Georgia, and Bulgaria, where stigma around mental health further exacerbates the issue. The participant countries share common challenges: lack of access to quality mental health resources, societal stigma, and insufficient non-formal education methods tailored to empower young people in coping with stress, anxiety, and depression. In Denmark, the mental health gap is growing despite being a welfare state, while in Georgia and Armenia, economic instability and regional conflicts place additional psychological burdens on youth. This project sought to bridge these gaps by equipping youth workers, psychologists, and educators with the tools to address mental health issues through innovative methods, fostering resilience, and creating a safe space for dialogue. Key objectives included: 1. Increasing awareness of mental health challenges among youth and the broader community. 2. Providing training and capacity-building workshops to enhance the competencies of youth workers in using non-formal education methods to address mental health. 3. Developing and practicing methodologies such as mindfulness, mindfull eating, 5rythm therapy and stress management tailored for young people. 4. Building a transnational network of youth workers committed to promoting mental health in their respective communities. The Copenhagen Youth Network’s 2023-2026 strategy underscores its commitment to mental health. However, mental health-related activities are not conducted spontaneously or limited to grant-funded projects; they are integral to CYN’s ongoing local initiatives. For instance, CYN actively promotes mental well-being through its regular services, which include Yoga sessions, sport-based activities, and workshops aimed at reducing stress and fostering resilience. This structured approach ensures that mental health promotion remains a consistent and sustainable part of CYN’s operations, benefiting local and international communities alike. By combining grant-funded projects with locally rooted activities, the project aimed not only to tackle existing challenges but to establish a foundation for sustainable, long-term support systems across partner countries. This approach enhances the well-being, resilience, and active participation of young people in their communities.

Project partners (8)