This October, we’re launching the “Break the Silence! Speak Up for Mental Health” campaign, an initiative created by young leaders from the European Youth Representation Network (EYRN) during their recent in-person gathering in Salderuo, Spain.
In this meeting, 27 youth advocates from over 14 national YMCA movements came together to discuss and design campaigns that address critical issues facing young people across Europe, with mental health being a top priority.
Running from October 1-10, this campaign leads up to World Mental Health Day on October 10th and aims to address the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging open conversations and peer support.
Why We’re Taking Action
Mental health should never be a taboo topic. Unfortunately, many young people still face stigma, isolation, and misunderstanding when it comes to their psychological well-being. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven young people aged 10-19 experiences a mental health disorder. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened this crisis, highlighting the urgent need for support and open dialogue.
That’s why the YMCA is committed to breaking the silence. This campaign aims to normalize conversations around mental health, encourage peer-to-peer support, and bring the mental health needs of young people into the spotlight.
How You Can Get Involved
Your National YMCA plays a crucial role in helping us spread the word and make a difference. Here’s how you can support the “Break the Silence! Speak Up for Mental Health” campaign:
- Spread Awareness: Use your communication channels to share the campaign message using the hashtag #LetsTalk. Help us reach young people in your communities by discussing mental health openly and honestly.
- Join the Conversation: Encourage youth in your movement to engage on social media using the hashtag #LetsTalk. Let’s create a wave of voices advocating for mental health and well-being.
- Engage Online: Reshare YMCA Europe’s social media posts and comment on them to create greater online engagement. Your interactions can help amplify the campaign and reach even more young people across Europe.
- Organize Local Activities: Host mental health discussions, workshops, or peer support groups in your community. Creating safe spaces for open conversation can have a huge impact on young people’s well-being and make sure share about it through your communication channels.
We are providing a resource kit with media materials, templates, and social media assets to help your movement engage with this campaign. These tools will make it easy for you to participate and promote the campaign within your local community.
Make Youth Well-Being a Priority
At YMCA, youth well-being has been at the core of our mission for over 180 years. As we continue this legacy, we invite you to stand with us in advocating for mental health. Let’s work together to create a world where young people feel supported, understood, and empowered to take charge of their psychological well-being.
Get Started!
- Fill Out Our Youth Well-Being Survey to help us better understand and address the mental health challenges facing young people today.
- Advocate Online: Share the message, use the hashtag #LetsTalk, and join us in breaking the stigma around mental health.
By raising awareness and engaging your community, you can be a powerful advocate for change. Let’s break the silence and make mental health a priority this October!