Youth is looking for real encounters: conversations about health and more!

Youth is looking for real encounters: conversations about health and more!

In the youth club Jule in Opladen, a district of Leverkusen, children and young people are increasingly facing the challenge of making real interpersonal contacts. According to KStA.de this is particularly impressive at the opening hours of the center, where it is often already waiting at the door for admission. Pedagogical specialist Franziska Büter found that the young people feel the urge to talk to each other. Once the meetings mostly started playing billiards; Today, however, the young people are first looking for the conversation.

The topics addressed in these conversations are diverse and often of great scope. The young people find out about social media and bring questions about the global political Situation, sexual orientation, family problems and their mental health. It is becoming increasingly clear that they recognize their concerns and problems and have the need to exchange ideas with confidants. Marc Munz, head of the youth center, emphasizes that it is important for young people to be able to express their thoughts without conviction. The focus is on listening and creating a trusting framework.

The challenges of open youth work

The responsible persons of the Catholic Youth Agency, however, express concern about the financial situation of open child and youth work, which is additionally burdened by a budget deficit in Leverkusen. This tense situation has already led to savings in temporary workers, which could endanger the offers of the youth club. An example is a cooking project that not only promotes healthy eating, but also a forum for discussions. Bütner is worried that the financing of this project is also in danger.

In order to cope with these challenges, the Catholic youth agency hired a fundraiser and initiated the fundraisers. The "Hole in the Bell" campaign has already brought in a few thousand euros, but the uncertainties remain. The opening times of the youth club Jule are Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., the center remains closed on Mondays. The Megafon youth center also offers its company, on Tuesday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays during project days.

The influence of social media on mental health

In a broader context, an event concept of youth welfare.de , which took place from August 13 to 13, 2021, as well as social media as well as Course for mental problems can be. The association Tincon e.V. organized a themed week with the motto "Let’s Talk: Mental Health & Social Media" in order to raise awareness of mental illnesses. Young people presented their experiences and discussed topics from isolation to the challenges of constant availability in digital worlds.

The event included around 20 program items designed by young people and professional interlocutors. The aim was to break the stigma of mental illnesses and offer those affected to tell a platform to tell their stories. Examples of program highlights are interactive talks on topics such as "Die Dilkmatization of Therapy" and "Gen Z, the Psyche & Social Media". Such formats show how urgently it is necessary that young people find hearing and receiving support.

The challenges that young people face today are multifaceted. It is important to create space for real encounters and to recognize the importance of mental health. At the same time, the offers of open youth work must be promoted to meet the needs of the young generation.