Youth for Resilient Communities

Youth for Resilient Communities: Empowering Youth Through Urban Restoration and Mental Well-Being

GA number: 101244974

Funded by: Erasmus+ Duration: 01/12/2025-30/11/2027

Challenge

Between 2020 and 2025, youth mental health challenges across Europe intensified, with more than one in four young people reporting persistent anxiety or depression. At the same time, rapid urbanisation has left many neighbourhoods with limited green spaces and fewer opportunities for young people to connect, participate, and shape their communities.

Innovation

Y-REC responds to the growing mental health pressures faced by young people across Europe by connecting youth empowerment with the restoration of urban environments. It places young people at the centre of transforming neglected urban spaces into inclusive green areas that support well-being, social connection, and community resilience

Action

Youth workers receive practical training on integrating mental health support with environmental engagement. They learn how activities such as community gardening, outdoor mindfulness, and urban restoration strengthen young people’s emotional well-being.

Young people design and implement restoration actions in unused or degraded urban areas. They transform these spaces into accessible green environments that encourage social interaction and community participation. Through these actions, they develop practical skills, teamwork, and a stronger sense of ownership over their neighbourhoods.

Youth groups establish community gardens and biodiversity-friendly green areas in urban neighbourhoods. These spaces combine environmental restoration with activities that promote relaxation, creativity, and social connection. The initiatives demonstrate how nature-based solutions improve both urban ecosystems and young people’s well-being.

Engaging young people in dialogue with local stakeholders and decision-makers. Participants present ideas for improving urban environments and gain experience in democratic participation and community leadership.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Project Partners

**Assemblée des Régions d’Europe Association – AER (France)**

**ALLWEB Solutions – Information Systems S.A. (Greece)**

LAND Impresa Sociale SRL
(Italy)

Y-REC