24/06/2025

Empowering Youth Across Europe: YOUTHreach Launches the Youth Health Advisory Group

We are proud to announce the launch of the Youth Advisory Group (YAG).

The YOUTHreach project (www.youth-reach.eu) is proud to announce the launch of the Youth Advisory Group (YAG), a cornerstone advisory body to guide the project’s mission of transforming youth mental health across Europe. Funded by the European Union under grant number 101156514 YOUTHreach brings together a dynamic partnership of 14 institutions from 9 countries united by a mission to strengthen Youth Mental Health in Europe.

“Projects like YOUTHreach are very powerful, because they don’t just study youth mental health, they give young people a real seat at the table. As a young person and representative of AEGEE, the youth organisation in the project, I see how vital it is that our voices, especially those from underrepresented communities, shape the research and solutions that affect our lives.”

Leon Vreling
President, AEGEE / European Students’ Forum

Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

As part of its commitment to youth empowerment, our YOUTHreach team in Birmingham (UK) has formed a Youth Advisory Group (YAG), composed of 18 youth representatives from across Europe. The YAG:

Ensures youth voices are heard and valued at every stage of the project.
Helps shape research by providing relevant input on what matters most to young people.
Contributes to breaking down barriers, including language barriers, and building inclusive mental health support, especially for underrepresented groups.
Engages with policymakers to shape mental health policies that truly reflect youth experiences.
Act as ambassadors through social media, podcasts, and public events.

"Our Youth Advisory Group brings together young voices from across Europe to co-lead the conversation on mental health.

By shaping research, influencing policy, and challenging exclusion, these youth advisors are not only making space for underrepresented perspectives—they’re building a future where all young people are truly heard and valued."

Professor Matthew Broome BSc, Director of the Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham

Dr Siân Lowri Griffiths BSc, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham

YAG members receive training in public speaking, scientific literacy, and advocacy, while also participating in a supportive peer-led community. Curious about what it’s like to be a YAG member? Read Simon’s blogpost about his first impressions on our website. Or watch our short video on the accessibility of mental health care according to youth.

About YOUTHreach

YOUTHreach is a EU-wide study addressing the alarming rise in youth mental health issues. By pioneering our research across 9 countries and 14 research institutions, we will evaluate and implement three very promising existing youth-friendly interventions to support young people with mental health challenges. We are co-creating our research together with young people and our research partners: Maastricht University (the Netherlands), London School of Economics (the United Kingdom), IRCCS Fatebenefratelli Brescia (Italy), Mittetulundusuhing Peaasi (Estonia), University of Birmingham (the United Kingdom), University of Barcelona (Spain), Ab.Acus Srl (Italy), University of Galway (Ireland), Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (Germany), University of Melbourne (Australia), Amsterdam University Medical Centre (the Netherlands), Servicio Madrileno de Salud (Spain), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Germany) and AEGEE, European Student Organisation (Belgium).

For more information about YOUTHreach visit www.youth-reach.eu or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram (@youthreach_EU).

Empowering Youth Across Europe: YOUTHreach Launches the Youth Health Advisory Group

Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

About YOUTHreach

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Empowering Youth Across Europe: YOUTHreach Launches the Youth Health Advisory Group

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