YOUTHreach: A New EU-Wide Project to Tackle Youth Mental Health Challenges

YOUTHreach, an EU-funded Horizon project, is officially launching with a mission to address the growing mental health challenges faced by young people across Europe. Operating across 9 countries and involving 14 research institutions, this 5-year, €8.5 million initiative is focused on evaluating and scaling three promising youth mental health interventions.

The project will assess whether these interventions are cost-effective, safe, and applicable to other populations:

 

  1. Walk-in Centre: A safe, anonymous, youth-friendly space, free of charge.
  2. App-Based Training: Designed to empower young people to manage their mental health.
  3. Online Platform: A hybrid solution combining support from health professionals and peers.

 

Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

At YOUTHreach, we believe that mental health solutions for young people should be shaped by young people. That’s why our Youth Advisory Group (YAG), made up of 18 youth representatives from across Europe, is central to the project.

 

The YAG:

  • Ensures youth voices are heard and valued at every stage of the project.
  • Helps shape the research by providing relevant input on what matters most to young people.
  • Contributes to breaking down barriers and building inclusive mental health support, especially for underrepresented groups.
  • Engages with policymakers to shape mental health policies that truly reflect youth experiences.
  • Act as ambassadors via social media, podcasts, and events.

 

YAG members also receive training in public speaking, scientific literacy, and advocacy, and provide or receive peer support within a supportive community. Together, we’re not just talking about youth mental health – we’re changing it.

 

Interested in joining the YAG? Reach out!

 

Mental Healthcare Advisory Group (MAG)

YOUTHreach also includes a Mental Healthcare Advisory Group (MAG). This group is composed of people who support young people aged 14-25, either personally or professionally, as a carer, parent, clinician, peer worker, or educator.

 

MAG members will:

  • Co-think, co-create, and provide recommendations to the work of YOUTHreach.
  • Meet four times over 18 months (starting March 2025) in hybrid 1-hour meetings.
  • Advocate for improved youth mental health services and reduced stigma.

 

For more information about YOUTHreach, upcoming activities, or partnership opportunities, visit http://www.youth-reach.eu or follow on LinkedIn and Instagram (@youthreach_EU).