🚀Mental Health for All: INEDNET’s Key Takeaways from the Budapest Study Session

From April 19 to 25, the European Youth Centre in Budapest became a meaningful space for learning, reflection, and intercultural exchange. Three representatives of INEDNET NGO from Armenia — Davit Grigoryan, Anna Muradyan, and Alina Tsaturyan — joined 29 young Catholic participants from different European countries to take part in the study session “Mental Health for All". Organised by JECI-MIEC, the study session created a safe and supportive environment where young people could explore the importance of mental health, human rights, personal identity, and psychological support. The main aim of the project was to raise awareness of mental health and to help participants better understand themselves and others and learn to offer support more consciously and responsibly.

During the programme, participants took part in various interactive sessions, group activities, discussions, team-building exercises, and reflection moments. The topics covered include mental health, human rights, personal identity, psychological first aid, and other important themes connected to youth work and well-being. Through nonformal education methods, participants had the opportunity not only to gain knowledge but also to share personal experiences, listen to each other, and learn through practice.

One of the most powerful experiences of the study session was the Living Library. Participants met people who openly shared their personal stories, the challenges they had faced, and the ways they found support or solutions. This experience gave participants a deeper understanding of different life situations and showed how important empathy, active listening, and respectful communication are when speaking about mental health.

Another memorable moment was the cultural exchange, where the Armenian participants introduced others to Armenian culture, history, and traditions. They taught the group the Armenian traditional dance Kochari, which created a warm and joyful atmosphere. Many participants were impressed by Armenian culture and expressed a desire to visit Armenia in the future. Throughout the study session, the Armenian participants learned how to approach mental health topics more carefully and professionally, especially when offering psychological first aid and support. They also discovered new team-building methods and tools for youth work and community activities.

The project was not only a learning experience but also a chance to build new friendships and connections with young people from different countries. Participants left Budapest with new knowledge, inspiration, and motivation to continue promoting mental health awareness in their communities.

In the end, “Mental Health for All” became a reminder that mental health is a shared responsibility. By understanding ourselves and supporting one another, young people can help create safer, more empathetic, and more inclusive communities.