Welcome to the NYP event!

What can our delegates expect?

We are excited about this conference, where we gather knowledge and expertise on mental wellbeing in the Nordic region. We will discuss joint problems and solutions and we expect active participation by all. We promise our delegates will get:

• Insight into what kind of actions youth-led civil society organisations in the Nordic region would like to see to improve mental wellbeing.
• Dialogues with youth-led civil society organisations and other professionals on how to improve mental wellbeing.
• Knowledge sharing with Nordic actors who work with issues concerning the wellbeing of youth.
• Learning about and testing methods on how to conduct dialogues with youth-led civil society organisations.
• Collaboration on a proposal to NORDBUK, suggesting actions for improved participation and wellbeing of youth in the Nordic region.

The conference themes: What will we talk about?

The thematic focus of the programme is built from dialogues held with youth-led organisations and public officials in the Nordic region. These dialogues (preparatory workshops) have already been completed. 

Five themes have been identified for the conference and the working group discussions will center around these issues. Working group details are yet to be finalised. Please note that small adjustments might still occur to the themes:

1. Participation as a factor promoting wellbeing.
2. Safe childhood environments to support mental wellbeing.
3. Meaningful leisure activities promoting mental wellbeing.
4. An education system promoting mental wellbeing.
5. Accessible, equitable and proactive support and care.

Who are our lecturers?

Vendela Carlsfjord, Youth 2030

Vendela is an advisor on youth participation. She has over 10 years experience of leadership in youth participation initiatives in Sweden and a Degree of Master of Science in Political Sciences from Uppsala University where she has written about children's participation in decisions about their own welfare. At the NYP event she will address the crucial connection between youth participation and health.  

Synopsis: The lecture will highlight participation as a fundamental right and examine how age-based power structures limit young people's influence in society. Drawing on theories from scholars like Alan Prout,  Allison James, Jens Qvortrup, and John Wall Carlfjord, we will discuss constructions of childhood and introduce "childism" as a framework for addressing connected challenges, emphasizing the importance of youth participation and representation in shaping policies. Adults, though responsible, must recognize youth as experts in their own lives, enabling them to co-create a society that better supports children's mental health.

Joanna Stassos Wolf & Tove Ljungberg Haasum, Tim Bergling Foundation

Joana and Tove will present the story of The Tim Bergling Foundation. 

The foundation was founded by Klas Bergling and Anki Lidén in memory of their son, Tim Bergling, widely known as Avicii, who tragically passed away in 2018. It is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of children and young people. 

Through its initiative, "For A Better Day," the foundation gathers the thoughts and aspirations of youth to develop preventive projects that promote well-being and work actively to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Additionally, the foundation supports other organisations with similar goals that can also provide help and support to young people in need. Its vision is “a society where children and young people feel well, have hope for the future, and are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Those who still feel unwell should quickly be offered support.

Emma Frans

Emma is a doctor in medical epidemiology. She is a researcher at the Karolinska Institutet and previously at the University of Oxford, as well as an award-winning science writer.

At the event, Emma will talk about the importance of science literacy, i.e. the ability to understand, interpret, and apply scientific concepts and knowledge in everyday life.

Science literacy can empower individuals with science-based knowledge and critical thinking skills, enabling them to make informed decisions, promote mental well-being, and implement evidence-based practices. In times when misinformation spreads faster than ever, these skills are essential for navigating complex challenges with clarity and confidence.

Key people at the event

Delivering the inagural address:

And:

Leading us through the programme:

Programme

Wednesday 6th of November

10.00-12.00     Representatives of invited Nordic youth-led organisations meet.
12.00-13.30     Lunch
13.30-14.00     Conference check-in.
14.00- 15.20    Introduction to the Conference, with lectures and dialogues.
                          - Raising nordic perspectives of mental wellbeing in the room.
                          - Lecture by Joanna Stassos Wolf  and Tove Ljungberg Haasum, Tim Bergling foundation.
15.20-15.50     Coffee break
15.50-17.30     Continuation o lectures and dialogues.
                          - Framing our collaborative nordic dialogue.
                          - Lecture by Vendela Carlfjord, Youth 2030.
17.30-19.00     Break
19.00                Dinner

Thursday 7th of November

08.30-08.45     Introduction to the day ahead.
08.45-09.20     Lecture by Emma Frans.
09.20-10.30     Working in smaller groups, diving into the themes. 
10.30-10.50     Coffee break
10.50-12.00     Working in smaller groups, discussing what the real problems are.
12.00-13.00     Lunch
13.00-13.50     Working in smaller groups, going from ill-being to wellbeing.
13.50-15.00     Closing the conference.
15.00 -              Coffee - departing delegates can pick up a snack to go.

Registered delegates who are not part of youth-led organisations will receive an invitation to participate in a preparatory meeting on the 21st of October at 13.30-14.15 Swedish time. This meeting takes place digitally over Zoom and it is aimed at helping delegates prepare for the discussions.

After the conference

On the 26th of November, a live broadcast from Stockholm will summarise the conclusions of the NYP project. This is a public event, open to everyone with an interest in the topic: How Can the Nordic Region Address Mental Wellbeing of Youth?