“Peace In Mind”: Promoting mental wellbeing and participation of adolescents in schools

ongoing

Children’s mental health (MH) has emerged as a crucial issue during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Commission recognises that MH is a major public health issue and that concrete actions are needed to comprehensively address the MH of children and adolescents with particular vulnerabilities, such as those displaced by conflict and crisis. The “Peace in Mind” (PIM) project, draws on gender and trauma informed evidence-based methodologies to empower adolescents and support teachers to address complex MH challenges faced by adolescent children in Germany and Poland. Operating within 4 schools located in socio-economically disadvantaged areas with a high concentration of Ukrainian refugees in Saxony region in Germany and Wielkopolskie region in Poland, and in 1 school in Bavaria region in Germany with a new peer-to-peer approach on MH, the project seeks to strengthen school-based protection, prevention, and support mechanisms, positioning schools as safe havens where adolescents can find support and respite. Through a collaborative and participatory approach, PIM will empower adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and resources to address MH challenges effectively and be the agents of change for them and their peers in designing and rolling out MH initiatives in school settings, focusing on relaxation, mindfulness, and socio-emotional learning. Additionally, the project will facilitate the exchange of best practices and resources among child protection, MH and education practitioners. Underpinned by the principles of best interests of the child, child participation and child protection, PIM adopts an intersectional and gender-specific approach, in order to address the unique vulnerabilities and discrimination faced by adolescent girls and refugee children. Leveraging existing evidence-based programming and piloting new approaches, PIM endeavours to create inclusive and supportive spaces within schools, ensuring the holistic well-being of all adolescents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.