“Beyond Labels: Mental Health Awareness” is an Erasmus+ youth project implemented in partnership between INWN (Lithuania) and Vitatiim (Estonia). The project aims to encourage young people to better understand mental health, reduce stigma, and become active citizens and changemakers within their communities.
Special attention is given to young people with fewer opportunities, including those facing geographical, economic, or educational barriers, as well as Ukrainian refugees. By strengthening mental health awareness and practical skills, the project supports young people in building self-confidence, initiative, and pathways toward social entrepreneurship in the field of mental health.
Why “Beyond Labels”?
Mental health is still surrounded by myths, stereotypes, and silence. This project seeks to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and create supportive environments where young people feel safe to speak openly, learn, and support one another.
What was created during the project?
One of the main project results is a Mental Health Awareness Guide designed for young people and youth workers. The guide is practical, youth-friendly, and easy to apply in youth work settings, schools, workshops, and non-formal education activities.
The guide includes:
- Clear and accessible introductions to mental health
- An overview of common mental health conditions, their symptoms, impact on daily life, and coping strategies
- A “Myths and Facts” section to challenge common misconceptions
- Real-life stories from young people, including refugee experiences, helping to reduce stigma and build empathy
- A practical toolbox for breaking stigma, including discussion- and reflection-based activities, healthy coping skills exercises, role-play activities, scenario-based learning, and more
Get involved and share
We invite young people, youth workers, educators, and organisations to use the guide, share it, and adapt it to their own activities. By starting open conversations, moving beyond labels, and supporting one another, we can together build more open, inclusive, and understanding communities.
#stampoutstigma #inwn #vitatiim
