IMPACT: boosting youth mental wellbeing together

IMPACT is a collaboration between the cities of Ghent, the Dutch city of Helmond and the Finnish city of Espoo, together with the Dutch organisation Impactpunt. The project strengthens young people’s mental wellbeing by combining scientific research, local data and hands-on experience.

As coordinator of the European partnership, Ghent brings together policymakers, youth organisations, researchers and international cities. We ensure the quality of the project and organise knowledge exchange among all partners.

From science and data to local practice

IMPACT aims to develop a research-based and locally validated model that identifies the key factors influencing the mental wellbeing of young people in urban environments. To achieve this, we combine international scientific insights and local data from the participating cities with the knowledge and experiences of youth workers, professionals and young people.

Based on this combined knowledge, we design and test targeted youth interventions. These interventions are continuously monitored, measured and refined throughout the project. The final outcome will be an Impact Network for Youth Mental Wellbeing: a practical, evidence-based framework that European cities can use to strengthen their preventive youth policies.

The project

IMPACT runs from December 2025 to October 2027. The project is carried out in cooperation with partners including the Trimbos Institute and Ghent University, with Stockholm and Gothenburg as associated partners. IMPACT is funded by Erasmus+.