Youth Mental Health Lab#1 - Hungary

Organised by Együttható Egyesület and Hétfa, Budapest, 13. 11. 2024

The recent Lab event, co-organized by EE and HÉTFA, brought together experts from various professional backgrounds, including social workers, child psychologists, municipal social professionals, and specialists in non-formal education. The uniqueness of the event was defined by the active participation of the target group – the young people themselves.

The primary goal of the event was to establish a shared foundation for promoting the well-being of youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This included identifying challenges affecting mental well-being. Several common issues emerged, such as the negative impacts of media – especially social media – which contribute to anxiety among young people. Uncertainty about their future further amplifies this anxiety.

During the event, the experts also highlighted structural barriers, such as the shortcomings of support systems, which often hinder timely assistance for young people and lead to missed opportunities for prevention. Both professionals and young participants agreed that addressing complex challenges requires creating spaces where young people feel comfortable communicating, asking for help, and accessing both peer and professional support.

In summary, the open and collaborative Lab event provided a platform to explore major challenges and potential solutions. The insights gathered during the event lay the groundwork for targeted, effective interventions and represent a significant step toward creating a more supportive environment for all young people.