Youth Power – Energy for the Future

This concept aims to prevent mental health issues among young people by providing tools and meeting spaces to handle stress and anxiety.
The focus is on normalizing conversations about mental health and empowering youth through self-leadership.

The initiative fosters a long-term culture of well-being, reduces stigma surrounding mental health, and contributes to a sustainable society with lower healthcare costs. Collaboration and innovation are essential to reaching all target groups effectively.

Collaboration plays a key role in the project’s success. Municipalities and companies will provide financial support, while schools and associations actively participate in implementing youth programs. Parents and young people will engage in workshops designed to build shared understanding and support within their communities.

The initiative will include several key activities to achieve its goals. Regular workshops and events will take place at schools and youth centers, focusing on reflection, acceptance, and actionable steps for mental well-being. Annual programs will provide targeted support during school transitions, and certification programs will train young people to identify and prevent mental health issues, equipping them with practical skills for the future.

Movement and Health for Girls and Non-Binary Youth

The project addresses the challenge of lower physical activity among girls and non-binary youth, who also report higher levels of mental health challenges. Research highlights that this group is less physically active compared to boys of the same age.

The initiative aims to enhance physical activity and foster joy in movement to build a foundation for better physical health and body confidence. Increased activity is linked to improved mental health and a sense of security within the community.

The concept involves redesigning schoolyards to create environments that encourage movement among the target group. Input from students and collaboration with RF SISU Västerbotten, local authorities, and civil society actors will be used to "playfully" develop these spaces.

Think you(th)!

The "Think You(th)!" project aims to promote mental health among young people by breaking stigma and encouraging open discussions. Key components include a steering group, a manual for supporting mental health conversations, and an annual lecture series at Sara Kulturhus for students, followed by school-based discussions.

The concept is designed to integrate seamlessly into schools and other community settings. Its approach includes increasing knowledge about mental health, recognizing early signs of mental illness, and equipping adults to handle sensitive discussions. The initiative will restructure current practices, introducing new dynamics within schools and requiring changes in how activities are delivered. A three-step model includes establishing a steering group for mental health promotion, creating a support manual, and implementing an annual lecture series targeting students from grade 8 through high school, paired with engaging follow-ups in schools.

If successful, the project will normalize discussions about mental health, leading to healthier communities with reduced stigma. The initiative highlights the need for adaptable solutions and invites ongoing dialogue to improve and refine its approach.

Here We Dare to Talk About How We Feel 

The concept "Here We Dare to Talk About How We Feel" addresses knowledge gaps and taboos surrounding mental health among both adults and youth. By combining communication campaigns and outreach efforts, the initiative seeks to make mental health a visible and approachable topic.

Campaigns will include visuals across public spaces, libraries, schools, and cultural hubs, as well as digital outreach on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to connect with younger generations. A key feature is a mobile unit—a highly visible, customized vehicle—that travels to places where youth gather, like sports practices and social events, offering resources and conversations led by professionals and influencers.

Key stakeholders include psychologists, local youth organizations, cultural and sports associations, and municipal departments. 

If successful, the project will foster an environment where open discussions on mental health become normalized, reducing stigma and contributing to a stronger, health-focused community. Future questions remain about integrating this concept with similar initiatives and securing sustainable financing.

Extended BVC for ages 6-10,
with father groups as a pilot initiative

The concept of extending the current child healthcare system (BVC) to include children aged 6–10 focuses on strengthening mental health and family relationships through preventive measures. By offering regular follow-ups, the program would support parents in their role, improve resilience in families, and detect early signs of mental health issues. These follow-ups would guide families to specific interventions, such as physical activity programs or referrals to specialists, and would build on the trust already established through BVC services.

To initiate the program, the concept suggests starting with father-focused groups as a short-term and practical step. These groups aim to support fathers in their parenting roles, encourage involvement, and strengthen family dynamics. They would be organized through existing family centers, with collaboration from local actors. The father groups would act as a pilot project to test methods, build engagement, and gather insights for broader implementation. This initiative focuses on promoting mental health within families while fostering connections among fathers, which can create ripple effects of improved family well-being and mental health awareness.

A family center is proposed as a test location for this extended service. The long-term goal is to create a structured, trusted program — potentially mandatory or highly recommended — that integrates with existing services to build a healthier and more resilient community.