Supporting the Mental Health of Youth
A 5-year European research and innovation project developing evidence-based mental health promotion models for young people in education, training, and work across Europe.
Why SUPPORT-Y Matters
Across Europe, young people face increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges. Prevention efforts are often fragmented, and vulnerable youth are not always adequately included in existing frameworks.
Fragmented Prevention
Existing efforts are disconnected and lack systematic integration across education and employment contexts.
Vulnerable Youth Excluded
Young people facing socio-economic hardship, disability, migration, or gender challenges need targeted support.
Lack of Scalable Tools
Schools and workplaces lack practical, evidence-based and scalable mental health promotion instruments.
Limited Cost-Effectiveness Evidence
There is insufficient health-economic evidence to support sustainable, long-term implementation.
Our Response
SUPPORT-Y responds to these gaps by developing and testing practical, evidence-based mental health promotion models that can be implemented in real-world educational and workplace settings across Europe.
We focus on young people in schools, vocational education, higher education, and early employment — with special attention to those facing additional vulnerabilities.
What We Are Developing
SUPPORT-Y will co-create, pilot, and evaluate two complementary intervention models — developed together with young people, educators, employers, and mental health professionals.
Blended Model
Digital web-based tool combined with peer-support elements
- Strengthen mental health literacy among young people
- Build resilience skills through interactive digital pathways
- Encourage help-seeking behaviour and reduce stigma
- Peer-support integration for community building
Adapted In-Person Model
Structured, context-sensitive model for real-world settings
- Tailored for schools, vocational institutions, and workplaces
- Context-sensitive design for diverse European settings
- Educator and employer training and integration
- Evidence-based and scalable implementation pathway
How We Work
Our approach recognises that mental health is influenced by individual, social, and structural factors. We combine psychological, educational, digital, and economic expertise.
Participatory Co-Creation
Working with over 250 stakeholders including young people, educators, employers, and mental health experts to ensure real-world relevance.
Cross-Country Piloting
Testing models in diverse European contexts to ensure transferability and cultural sensitivity across different national settings.
Mixed-Methods Research
Combining qualitative and quantitative data to generate comprehensive, robust evidence on effectiveness and acceptability.
Health-Economic Analysis
Rigorous cost-effectiveness analysis to support policy-makers in making the case for sustainable, long-term investment.
Open Science
Transparent research practices, open access to findings, and data sharing in line with European Open Science principles.
Policy Translation
Generating actionable, policy-relevant evidence for sustainable mental health promotion at regional, national, and EU levels.
What SUPPORT-Y Will Achieve
Contributing to European and global priorities on youth well-being, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
Strengthen Mental Health Literacy
Empower young people with knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand and manage mental health challenges.
Reduce Stigma
Create more open, supportive school and workplace environments where mental health is openly discussed and supported.
Improve Resilience & Help-Seeking
Equip young people with coping strategies and lower barriers to accessing professional and peer support.
Scalable Tools for Institutions
Provide ready-to-use, evidence-backed tools that schools and workplaces can adopt and sustain independently.
Policy-Relevant Evidence
Generate robust, health-economic evidence to inform European and national mental health policy frameworks.
Inclusive Support for Vulnerable Youth
Reach young people facing additional vulnerabilities — ensuring no one is left behind in mental health promotion.
Our Partners
SUPPORT-Y brings together 12 partners from across Europe, combining deep expertise in research, practice, and youth engagement.
Meet the Full ConsortiumThe consortium unites universities, youth organisations, mental health organisations, and innovation actors from across Europe. Our partners contribute expertise across multiple disciplines to ensure SUPPORT-Y delivers high-quality, contextually relevant research and tools.
Project Information
Get in Touch
More information, updates, publications, and tools will be published here as the project progresses.
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