On May 30, 2026, the Imago Mundi Association organized a focus group as part of research component T2.1 of the European project Y-REC – Youth for Resilient Communities. The event aimed to explore young people’s relationship with their local environment and their own well-being, helping to identify existing challenges and opportunities at the local level.
Both young people and youth workers participated in the activity, providing complementary and relevant perspectives on how green spaces, community engagement, and access to support influence mental well-being. The discussions sought to go beyond statistical data and bring to the forefront the real experiences, perceptions, and needs of those involved.
Participants reflected on the factors that limit young people’s access to green spaces and opportunities for civic engagement, as well as the difficulties encountered in accessing mental health support resources. At the same time, solutions and ideas were explored that could encourage more active youth participation in community life and closer collaboration between young people and local stakeholders.
In the Romanian context, the discussions highlighted the importance of accessible community spaces for young people where they can feel safe, as well as the need for more open communication among themselves, youth workers, and local authorities. Those present emphasized that engagement becomes easier when young people feel heard, when they are offered solutions to problems, and when they are encouraged to contribute to changes in their communities.
The focus group was facilitated according to the project’s methodology, in an environment based on respect, active listening, and psychological safety. Topics related to mental health were addressed by drawing on everyday experiences and the factors that influence young people’s well-being.
The results of this focus group will contribute to the research process conducted within the Y-REC project and will support the development of initiatives that better address the needs of young people and the communities they belong to. Through such activities, the project aims to promote their active participation, resilience, and involvement in building healthier and more sustainable communities.
