On 16 May 2026, the Pergola and the Wrocław Congress Center at the Centennial Hall became a vibrant space for meetings, discussions, and social engagement. This was made possible thanks to the “Social Celebration of Wrocław”, which combined the 9th Congress of Wrocław NGOs, the Wrocław Social Organisations Fair, and community integration events for residents.
This year’s edition was held under the slogan “From Regeneration to Resilience”, focusing on building strong local communities, strengthening cross-sector cooperation, and supporting the well-being of socially engaged individuals.
During the Wrocław Social Organisations Fair, CEBS – Centrum Edukacji i Badań Społecznych also presented its activities within the framework of the “BeStrong” project dedicated to youth mental health. In connection with European Mental Health Week, which took place from 4–8 May, the organisation promoted tools for self-evaluation of mental well-being based on the WHO-5 questionnaire recommended by the World Health Organisation.
More than 90 questionnaires were collected during the event. The analysis of the results showed that participants’ well-being was generally at a very good level — 58% of respondents reported very good well-being, 36% indicated good or moderate well-being, while only 6% obtained a result suggesting the need for professional psychological support. Participants whose scores were 13 points or lower received information about possible steps to take in case of worsening mental well-being and guidance on where to seek professional help. It is also important to note that the surveyed group mainly consisted of young people aged 16–24.
Our stand attracted significant interest from event participants. Many visitors were interested in the topic of youth mental health and in the activities implemented within the “BeStrong” project. During conversations, we provided information about the project objectives, educational materials being developed, and activities supporting the mental well-being of young people. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss everyday ways of taking care of mental health and received informational materials about available support services.
NGO Fair – A Meeting Place for Organisations and Residents
The Wrocław Social Organisations Fair brought together numerous non-governmental organisations working in the fields of education, health, social inclusion, culture, ecology, social assistance, and civic activation. Residents had the opportunity to visit stands, discover local initiatives, talk to representatives of organisations, and learn how to engage in social activities and volunteering.
One of the greatest strengths of the event was its open and intergenerational character. The organisers ensured that the fair space was accessible both to activists and institutional representatives, as well as to families with children and people who were just beginning their journey in social engagement.
Congress on Social Resilience and Cooperation
An integral part of the event was the 9th Congress of Wrocław NGOs — a space for debates, meetings, and exchange of experiences between non-governmental organisations, local authorities, and social partners.
The discussions focused on topics related to:
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social resilience,
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the well-being of people working in the third sector,
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local cooperation,
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community building,
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responding to contemporary social and health crises.
The Congress also highlighted the importance of NGOs as a vital element of Wrocław’s social life — organisations that not only respond to residents’ needs but also create spaces for dialogue, education, and integration.
The Social Energy of Wrocław
This year’s event demonstrated how diverse and active the NGO sector in Wrocław is. The fair provided an opportunity to present numerous social initiatives and to build new partnerships and connections between organisations.
The event also had an integrative and symbolic dimension, reminding participants that social activities are primarily based on relationships, cooperation, and the engagement of local residents.
The “Social Celebration of Wrocław” once again proved that non-governmental organisations play a significant role in building an open, supportive, and active city.
