This article is also available in Italian. Read it here ⟶
Seems like a trivial question, right? Yet it’s anything but. We live connected 24/7 with thousands of people on social media, but when things go wrong, who’s really there for us? Often our families don’t understand us, friends are all caught up in their own lives, and let’s face it: it’s embarrassing to admit we’re going through a tough time. And at school or university? How can we be sure that what we share won’t end up as hallway gossip?
The pandemic made everything even more complicated. Here’s a thought-provoking fact: in Italy, after COVID, the number of young people aged 14 to 19 living in complete isolation – never seeing friends or other people – has almost doubled [1]. And it’s not just an Italian problem. A 2024 study reveals that more than half of young Europeans feel lonely, with 15% experiencing truly heavy loneliness [2].
It’s precisely from this reality that YOUTHreach was born, a project involving nine European countries to improve young people’s mental wellbeing. I’m part of it too! I’m Anastasia, a PhD student in psychology at Milan-Bicocca University. For a year now, I’ve been living in the Netherlands at Maastricht University for my double degree. Here I discovered YOUTHreach and immediately felt part of the mission.
The first are free listening centers designed exclusively for young people. I volunteer at one of these in the Netherlands: they’re called @ease (literally “being at ease”). Imagine a welcoming space where you can drop in whenever you want, grab a coffee or tea, and talk freely about what’s weighing on you. In one year, I’ve listened to dozens of young people: some stressed about exams, others with classroom dynamics issues, some dealing with family tensions, others struggling with addictions or mental health matters. For more serious cases, we always have professionals available, even for emergencies.
Milan also has its own center dedicated to young people: the “CPS Giovani” at Niguarda Hospital [3], on Via Livigno 3 in Savarino Park. It serves young people aged 16 to 24 and is part of the YOUTHreach network.
But we know not everyone can physically reach these centers, especially where there are few like in Italy. That’s why YOUTHreach has developed two innovative digital tools: an app with exercises to strengthen wellbeing and self-esteem, and a comprehensive online platform where you can find professional support, help from peer volunteers, personalized advice, and a safe community to connect with others.
We’ll soon update you on which services will be available in Italy and how to access them. In the meantime, if you speak some English, you can subscribe to the international newsletter at https://youth-reach.eu/ (scroll to the bottom of the page) or follow us on Instagram @youthreach_eu.
Remember that you’re not alone. We’re here, and we’re building something important together.
See you soon and best of luck with everything!
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[1] Cerbara, L., Ciancimino, G., Corsetti, G. et al. Self-isolation of adolescents after Covid-19 pandemic between social withdrawal and Hikikomori risk in Italy. Sci Rep 15, 1995 (2025).
[2] Bertelsmann Stiftung (ed.), Prof. Dr. Maike Luhmann, Bernd Schäfer, M. Sc., Prof. Dr. Ricarda Steinmayr. A comparison of youth loneliness in Europe in 2024
[3] ABC Milano, Disagio mentale giovanile: una proposta dal CPS Niguarda
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