Wicked Wellbeing: A youth-led discovery into unlocking the power of Wellbeing Literacy

<< Background >>The project aimed to address the growing mental health challenges faced by young people in Denmark and Sweden, as identified by national health profiles. By confronting shared and complex issues through a youth wellbeing literacy lense, the partnership between the two Scandinavian organisations served as a foundation for this project and future European-level cooperation. The project focused on wellbeing by involving young people as design thinkers in developing solutions. Using an evidence-based design thinking approach, it engaged youth in the research, prototyping, and testing of wellbeing initiatives, together with local stakeholders and communities. A key goal was to involve young people with lived experiences, particularly those facing mental health issues, as both beneficiaries and contributors to the project's activities. The initiative sought to create a shared language around mental health, recognising that having the right words can help young people better understand and address their experiences. Rather than simply providing information, the project embraced wellbeing as a multifaceted concept, empowering youth to shape their own wellbeing resources and enhance their community's awareness and access to these tools.<< Objectives >>The project aimed to establish a partnership between the newcomer organisation, Co-literate, and the more experienced Swedish organisation, Well-Being Lab. The project sought to map, exchange best practices, and involve local stakeholders to share the project’s findings and raise awareness among youth workers, healthcare professionals, and local decision-makers. By framing youth wellbeing literacy as a skill to be developed at the European level, the project aimed to engage and support its target groups as active European citizens at both local and regional levels. Focusing on youth, the project aimed to help young people better understand and navigate their wellbeing by offering strategies to explore literacy skills, identify their strengths, and build supportive communities for improved wellbeing. Valuing young people’s lived experiences, the initiative was designed as a youth-led exploration of wellbeing literacy. Through non-formal methods, online learning spaces, and an onsite retreat, the project provided resources for participants to actively address the wellbeing challenges they face. Participants were seen as experts of their own experiences, with facilitators guiding and supporting the knowledge already presen<< Implementation >>Wicked Wellbeing implemented three key actions to address the needs of the target groups:Participants engaged in a 3-month online learning experience, co-creating a space where they could explore freely and interact via a community forum. Along with tailored learning modules, this activity allowed young participants to connect across borders, build confidence, and discover their ability to enhance wellbeing literacy for themselves and others.The project also held three 2-hour virtual sessions. Participants met in facilitated spaces to discuss their learnings, connect with peers, and explore innovative approaches to their own and others' wellbeing. Through co-creation activities and non-formal methods, participants worked in groups and developed critical skills in understanding how societal structures impact access to wellbeing (1st session), learned the importance of social capital and community (2nd session), and explored ways to take action on their own wellbeing initiatives (3rd session).The project culminated in a 5-day onsite retreat, which deepened participants' wellbeing literacy through nature-based experiences, mindfulness, group discussions, and self-reflection, fostering growth and stronger community bonds.<< Results >>Through implementation of the three key elements: 3-month online learning experience, three 2-hour virtual sessions and the Wellbeing Retreat, the project resulted in:- Establishing and anchoring a small-scale partnership between Co-literate and Well-Being Lab, including the mapping of needs, best practices, and existing resources- An online learning experience for was designed and implemented, including 8 online learning modules, 3 expert live session, and a community forum. 29 young people joined.- An onsite training seminar for 26 participants in the form of the Wellbeing Retreat was designed and implemented - The knowledge and skills gained enabled participants to develop creative youth wellbeing initiatives to address identified need in their communities.- The online learning community continue to support participants in fostering a sense of community, which is essential for successfully translating wellbeing and mental health concepts into practical application and actions to mobilise communities, supported by their allies and stakeholders.- Project participants reported gaining a deeper understanding of the wellbeing needs of their community and could identify specific areas where they could make a difference.