ESTEEM - Youth work responses to young people

Background Young people face different issues related to challenges of adolescence and transition period which may include self-perception and self-management, school, family and relationship problems. When young people get overstressed or find the pressure too high to manage, the consequences for mental health are destructive behaviours such as self-harming, mild depression, difficult relationships at home and with friends, anger management issues, low self-esteem and self-confidence, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, disengagement, isolation and dropping out from education. European Youth goals define well-being and mental health as priority aspects of a life of young person and a priority area to be thoroughly paid attention to when developing up-to-date policy initiatives and youth work responses. Mental health and well-being are core qualities of life and a prerequisite for constant development of a young person's potential, readiness to take responsibility and care about their life, build healthy relationships, choose educational and professional paths, be autonomous and active members of the society. Moreover, the mental health of young people has been significantly impacted by the COVID‑19 crisis. Young people’s (15‑24 year‑olds) mental health has worsened significantly in 2020‑21 and in most countries, mental health issues among this age group have doubled or more. With adequate support and timely intervention, young people may be able to bounce back as we recover from the COVID‑19 crisis, but there is a risk that the consequences of the COVID‑19 crisis continue to cast a shadow over the lives of young people and their mental health. https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/supporting-young-people-s-mental-health-through-the-covid-19-crisis-84e143e5/ It is crucial that youth workers and