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Mind the Young

2025-3-RO01-KA152-YOU-0003764832025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: RO|TR|EL|ES|PT · Grant: €39,981
Inclusion of marginalised young peoplePhysical and mental health, well-beingMedia literacy and tackling disinformation

Objectives

In today's rapidly changing world, young people face a growing range of mental health challenges, exacerbated by social, economic, and environmental pressures. The need for mental health education is particularly acute among marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as young people from minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, or those facing socio-economic disadvantages. These groups often encounter barriers to accessing mental health resources due to stigma, lack of knowledge, or limited support systems. There's a positive trend in youth discussing mental health, inspiring our "Mind the Young" project. While this is encouraging, we're concerned about misconceptions. Terms like OCD, ADD, and PTSD are often misused, and online information can be unreliable. Seeking mental health help is still stigmatized. Myths about therapists persist, like them reading minds or having magical solutions. Our project aims to provide accurate information in a structured and engaging way. We want young people to learn through hands-on, non-formal education. Another concern is the negative influence of social media. Studies show a concerning decline in the average age of onset for anxiety and depression. We want to carry out the "Mind the Young" project to address these disparities and ensure that mental health education is inclusive, accessible, and equitable. By prioritizing inclusion, we aim to: 1. Combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues by creating safe and inclusive dialogue spaces. By the end of the project, at least 80% of the 30 participants will report a more positive and open attitude towards mental health. 2. Increase the level of inclusion among underrepresented communities. At least 70% of the 20 young people with fewer opportunities will report an improved sense of belonging and support in their communities, assessed through reflection sessions and follow-up surveys. 3. Equip youth with tools and knowledge to manage their own mental health and well-being, while also empowering them to inspire others if they choose to. By the end of the project, at least 70% of participants will report improved skills in self-care, stress management, and emotional regulation. In addition, at least 30% of participants will feel confident to share or apply one of the methods learned (e.g., photovoice, living library) in their personal or community context within 3 months after the exchange. Our objectives align with the broader goal of inclusion, ensuring that mental health resources and education are available to all young people.

Project partners (5)