Young people, especially high school students, face rising stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges fueled by academic pressure, social issues, and uncertainty about the future. Yet, schools often lack accessible, youth-friendly mental health support, and stigma remains a major barrier.

The MY SPACE initiative in Skopje seeks to address this by creating a safe, youth-led framework for mental health awareness and support. It will begin with surveys and conversations with students and teachers to identify key challenges and preferred support methods, alongside consultations with mental health professionals.

A prototype online self-help and referral tool will offer discreet access to support, while trainings on mental health literacy and peer support will empower students and school communities. Public campaigns and institutional dialogues will further promote mental health as a normalized part of school life.