YAG Update #5

Learn more about the work of the YAG in the last few months.

On Monday 13th of April 2026 we welcomed a record number of youth advisors, including many new faces, representing Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, Germany and Estonia. A truly pan-European voice shaping the future of youth mental health care.

Designing the Madrid Walk-In Centre

We were joined by Raquel Rodríguez and Laura Roldán from the Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Madrid, who are setting up a new walk-in mental health centre in Spain. They asked our advisors three key questions:

  • What should an environment be like for you to feel comfortable seeking help? → Safe, welcoming, inclusive, non-judgmental, sensory-friendly
  • What stops young people from seeking help? → Stigma, cost, waiting lists, fear of judgement, not knowing what services exist
  • What does easy access mean? → Flexible hours, low cost, easy to find, no hoops to jump through

Loneliness and Meta-Analysis

Thomas Freeney, PhD student at the University of Galway, led a session on loneliness and meta-analysis. Using the brilliant analogy of cupcakes 🧁(again), he explained how meta-analysis helps researchers compare studies using different measures, to understand what works, why, and for whom when researching loneliness in young people. He also asked: “What does loneliness mean to you?” Responses ranged from “not having anyone to talk to” to “feeling alone even when surrounded by people”. This is a reminder that loneliness means different things to different people, which is so important when it comes to how we research and measure it.

Thank you to Raquel, Laura and Thomas, and to all our wonderful youth advisors 💙!

YAG Update #5

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