Funded by Portugal’s Directorate-General for Health (DGS), the ‘Basic Mental Health Kit for Young People’ aged 14 to 19 is now available here in digital content formats addressing topics such as mental health, social media, and diversity.
The kit offers “a set of resources in a relaxed and creative tone, including videos, scientifically rigorous information on mental health, and activities for parents and teachers to engage with their youngsters,” according to the association.
The videos, which discuss mental health and combine images, animation, illustration, and artificial intelligence, were produced with the involvement of high school students in Lisbon.
“The content focuses on mental health in adolescence, diversity, interaction with social media, interpersonal communication, and concerns about the future,” stated ManifestaMente in a press release.
The project was supported by the National School of Public Health, the Autonomous University of Lisbon, the Professor Lindley Cintra School Group, and the António Arroio Artistic School.
The campaign’s ambassador, influencer Malu Matos, also contributed, believing that her generation “is more aware of mental health issues.”
“The Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ made everyone talk about this, but these problems have been around for a long time. Therefore, I think this project is necessary and will be well-received by young people,” said Malu Matos, quoted in the press release.
Starting today, the schools’ participation will expand to 232 classes across the country, which have accepted ManifestaMente’s challenge to trial the Basic Mental Health Kit. This initiative will be present in Portuguese schools throughout this month and in June.
Founded in 2017, ManifestaMente is a non-profit association dedicated to inspiring people to talk about mental health and finding creative solutions to improve mental health for everyone, encouraging others to do the same.
