Movement in Youth Work
The project Movement in Youth Work is a joint initiative between MIELI Mental Health Finland and the City of Helsinki’s Youth Services. Youth work meets young people where they already spend their time, such as in schools, youth centers, and online. The broad scope of youth work offers a unique opportunity to strengthen young people's mental health through physical methods that enhance well-being, community, and joy in their daily lives.
In collaboration with young people and youth work professionals, methods are being developed that enable young people to participate in physical activity with low barriers, regardless of their background or activity level. The effectiveness of these methods, which focus on youth participation, will be tested in various operational environments within the City of Helsinki’s Youth Services.
The methods will be compiled into a guide titled Movement in Youth Work and a training series Mental Health Through Physical Activity, which will be distributed nationally in both Finnish and Swedish.
The project is part of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s experimental and innovation initiative Finland on the Move for the years 2024-2025.