MEET Pilot - Novi Sad, Serbia

Mala Remeta – Fruska gora, Know How Center and Elementary school Dusan Radovic, Novi Sad

Organised by Know How Centre, May - June 2025

Between May and June this year, we implemented ten pilot sessions as part of the MEET project, aiming to create safe and engaging spaces for young people to explore mental health topics. A total of 45 participants aged 15 to 30 took part, bringing openness, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn and share.

The sessions focused on stress, psychosocial health literacy, and addiction. Participants received brief theoretical input—such as how to recognize the symptoms and sources of stress, and ways to manage it—and then engaged in interactive activities drawn from the Learning Materials for Young People and Toolbox for Practitioners. Group discussions, games, and storytelling allowed for both personal reflection and peer connection.

Of the ten sessions, four were led by expert facilitator Tanja Lazor Obradović, while six were facilitated by university students. This combination proved especially effective. Participants emphasized how much they appreciated the opportunity to learn from professionals while also connecting with young facilitators, which made it easier for them to open up and express their thoughts and feelings.

A highlight of the sessions was the introduction of the digital game MindCraft, which participants found exciting and refreshing. The game offered an innovative way to reflect on mental health in a fun and relatable format, sparking lively discussions and deeper self-awareness. Many said they would gladly recommend it to their peers.

One key takeaway from the sessions is that mental health remains a rarely addressed topic in schools and public life. Many participants stressed the importance of integrating these discussions into the educational system and everyday settings. They valued the chance to speak freely, feel heard, and realize they are not alone.

Encouraged by the enthusiasm and insight shared during the pilot, the MEET team now plans to refine the approach based on participant feedback and expand the program to more youth communities. These sessions were not just about learning—they were about building a culture where mental well-being is seen, spoken about, and supported.