Young people today are growing up in a rapidly changing world shaped by social, cultural, and economic transformations. While these changes can create new opportunities, they can also introduce challenges that affect young people’s sense of belonging, identity, and mental well-being. Across Europe and globally, youth mental health has become an increasingly important issue, with rising levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress reported among young people in recent years.
In this context, social inclusion plays a vital role in supporting young people’s emotional health, confidence, and overall development. It refers to the process of ensuring that all individuals—regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances—have equal opportunities to participate in society. For young people, this includes access to education, employment opportunities, community activities, and supportive social networks. When young people are able to participate meaningfully in these areas, they are more likely to feel valued and connected to their communities.
Conversely, experiences of exclusion can have significant consequences for young people’s mental well-being. Research has shown that social exclusion is closely linked to poorer mental health outcomes, as feelings of isolation, discrimination, or marginalisation can increase vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Young people who experience exclusion may require additional support to improve both their social participation and their psychological well-being.
Many young people face barriers to inclusion for a variety of reasons, including socioeconomic disadvantage, migration background, disability, or cultural and linguistic differences. Addressing these barriers is essential for promoting equality and ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to thrive. International policy discussions increasingly emphasize that youth inclusion should be a priority in social and development policies, highlighting the importance of involving young people directly in shaping solutions to the challenges they face.
Inclusive environments, on the other hand, can have a profoundly positive impact on young people’s well-being. When young people feel that they belong and that their voices matter, they are more likely to develop self-confidence, resilience, and a positive outlook on the future. A strong sense of belonging and social connection acts as a protective factor for mental health, helping young people cope with stress and navigate difficult life experiences.
Youth work plays a particularly important role in fostering these inclusive environments. Youth organisations, community centres, and non-formal education initiatives often provide safe spaces where young people can interact, share experiences, and develop meaningful relationships. Through activities such as group discussions, creative projects, peer learning, and community engagement, youth workers help young people build social skills, empathy, and intercultural understanding.
Furthermore, youth work initiatives often promote participation and empowerment by encouraging young people to take part in decision-making processes. When young people are actively involved in shaping activities or community initiatives, they develop a stronger sense of agency and responsibility. This sense of empowerment can significantly contribute to improved self-esteem and psychological well-being.
Mental health promotion is increasingly recognised as an important component of youth work and youth policy. European youth policy frameworks highlight the importance of reducing stigma around mental health and ensuring that professionals working with young people are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to support their well-being. Encouraging awareness, prevention, and inclusive support systems can help young people develop the resilience and life skills needed to cope with everyday challenges.
Ultimately, social inclusion is not only about providing equal opportunities—it is about creating communities where diversity is respected and where every young person feels that they belong. When young people experience connection, participation, and support, their well-being improves, and they are better prepared to contribute positively to society. Initiatives such as the BESTRONG project aim to contribute to this goal by strengthening the capacity of youth workers to address the mental health and social inclusion challenges faced by young people, particularly those from migrant or vulnerable backgrounds.
Through training opportunities, the development of innovative educational tools, and the promotion of peer interaction between young people from diverse communities, the project seeks to create supportive youth work environments that foster resilience, empathy, and intercultural understanding. By equipping youth professionals with practical skills and approaches grounded in psychosocial support and inclusive practices, initiatives like BESTRONG can help ensure that youth work continues to play a meaningful role in promoting well-being and building more inclusive and resilient communities.
Bibliography
European Commission. (2024). EU calls for a comprehensive approach to boosting mental health in youth. (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion)
Eurofound. (2015). Social inclusion of young people. Publications Office of the European Union.(Eurofound)
European Youth Dialogue. (n.d.). Youth Goal #5: Mental health and wellbeing. (jugenddialog.de)
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2014). Mental health matters: Social inclusion of youth with mental health conditions. (United Nations)
Research on adolescent social exclusion and mental health relationships. (PMC)
Youth Sounding Board for EU International Partnerships. (2022). Meaningful inclusion of youth: A promising future. (International Partnerships)
WHO/Europe & European Journal of Public Health. (2025). Advancing mental health in all policies to promote youth mental health and wellbeing. (OUP Academic)
