Highway to Wellbeing: Improving Mental Health and Physical Activity of Youth through Human Rights

Date:  9–12 September 2024

Location: Budapest, Hungary

We’re proud to have partnered with ENGSO Youth for the “Highway to Wellbeing” study session, held at the EYC Budapest from 9th to 12th of September. In this study session, youth from across Europe came together to address mental health and physical activity through a human rights lens.
Study session highlights
  • The session started with a team-building activity that created a warm, open environment for sharing. This paved the way for lively initial discussions on mental health, sport, and human rights. On the second day, participants explored the role of physical activity in mental health and learned about human rights education through sport.
  • As the session progressed, participants delved into intersectionality, identifying at-risk groups in mental health, human rights, and sport. On the third day, the participants started the development of a key outcome—a monthly and weekly wellbeing challenge. The group carefully crafted the challenges to be inclusive, mindful of disabilities, motivational factors, and accessibility, integrating the knowledge they gained in the past few days.
  • This group of young advocates was notably energetic and passionate, showing interest and care for the topics discussed. Their engagement sparked valuable connections, and the study session left an impact on all involved – the facilitators and the participants – further empowering young advocates for human rights and youth health.

Results and Impact

The “Highway to Wellbeing” study session addressed its objectives by deepening participants’ understanding of the link between mental health, physical activity, and youth health. The participants showed this understanding through rich discussions, recognizing health as a human rights issue and exploring how sport and physical activity contribute to overall well-being.

The group co-created practical tools like the monthly and the weekly wellbeing challenge with the aim to encourage and co-create healthier, more resilient communities of youth.

The knowledge and relationships built during the session will continue to inspire these youth workers as they advocate for mental and physical wellbeing – we are excited to see the positive changes they will bring!