Why

Youth-well

What is the impact of young peoples’ mental health on their participation
in democracy?

Young people across Europe today suffer from social inequality: 16-29 year olds are at high risk of poverty, 15.9% are unemployed, and 4.9% of young people in the EU experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression (the European Youth Strategy for 2019-2027).

The COVID-19 pandemic then came at a crucial time of young peoples’ transition into adulthood: an entire generation’s ability to find their place in the world as they transitioned into adulthood, and to trust in the institutions around them and become active citizens with socio-political optimism were all severely impacted.

Evidence show that improving young people’s well-being and civic participation
can be achieved by cultivating the competencies necessary for resilient and democratic youth.

The Youth-Well project is a response to the pressing need to advocate for mental health’s impact on young people’s active participation in social and civic society.

The project builds a network across participating countries within which young people and youth workers will collaborate to develop social and civic competencies, cultivate solidarity and social inclusion, and advocate mental health and active citizenship.

The Youth-Well project will run from January 2024 until November 2025.

The project activities

The Youth-Well project will organises and implements:

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Non-formal learning mobilities of training

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Exchange

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Networking

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Local events

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Campaigns

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Online activities

The project will establish a youth network to bring together young people interested in resilience, inclusivity, and activism.

For this purpose, the network will recruit digital youth advocates and youth organisations to work together and organise local and online activities and events.

Youth workers and youth professionals will also be trained at EU and national levels to cultivate resilient and active citizenship. The Youth-Well target groups will be offered opportunities for learning mobilities.