Youth for Mental Health Festival

Every three years, the P&V Foundation launches a multi-year project that places scientific research and young people's voices at its core. This approach makes it possible to launch calls for projects supporting innovative initiatives with a strong social impact. Young people are at the heart of our mission because we firmly believe in their ability to shape a better future. To conclude this journey, the P&V Foundation is organizing the Youth for Mental Health Festival on 13 October 2026 at Beursschouwburg in Brussels. Register here (event in French and Dutch)!

A festival co-created with our Agents of Change

Alongside the project call, around twenty young people aged 18 to 28, from diverse backgrounds and all parts of Belgium, took part in the Agents of Change programme. Through this experience, they had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in active citizenship.

The Agents of Change were involved throughout the entire process. They helped select the supported organisations, assess submitted projects, and develop and organise the Youth for Mental Health Festival. Thanks to their contribution, the festival closely reflects the needs, expectations, and realities of young people.

With this festival, we aim to break the taboo surrounding youth mental health. We invite you to discover inspiring initiatives, share experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations with other committed young people and professionals.

Throughout the day, take part in creative and interactive workshops, attend debates, screenings, and artistic performances, or simply take the time to explore the different festival spaces.

Highlighting inspiring solutions

The Youth for Mental Health Festival brings together young people, professionals, organisations, and the general public around one shared goal: strengthening mental well-being and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

The festival puts young people's voices front and centre, highlighting their essential role in building a more inclusive and caring society. It provides a safe space where ideas can be exchanged, knowledge shared, and inspiration found to take action.

Programme highlights:

Sixteen laureates from the “Feeling You(th)” project call, representing communities across Belgium (Antwerp, Brussels, Denderleeuw, Ghent, Namur, Tournai, and beyond), will share their experiences and results through workshops on topics including art therapy, suicide prevention, activities in and outside schools, sport and coaching, and more.
Participatory debates will bring together researchers and engaged stakeholders working on mental health, including Ayman Ramdani (Play4Peace), Caroline Vrijens (Flemish Children's Rights Commissioner), Jérôme Colin (RTBF), Khalid El Hatri (Young Fenix vzw), Lysanne Te Brinke (Rotterdam University), Matthieu Voet (Littekens vzw), Solayman Laqdim (Delegate-General for Children's Rights), and Susan Lagaert (coordinator Youth Research Platform (JOP)).
Screening of the documentary “Tout s’est arrangé (ou pas)” by Pierre Schonbrodt, a workshop on nutrition with Dr Inge van der Wurff, author of “Eet jezelf gelukkig” (Eat Yourself Happy), yoga sessions, and much more.
Young people's voices will also take centre stage. During an interactive forum, young people will engage in dialogue on mental health with committed figures such as Conner Rousseau (president of Vooruit), Julien Vande Weyer (Infirmiers de Rue / Un Pas, Un Toit), Maïté Meeus (Balance ton Bar / Artémise), and Rayan Awad (Youth Unity Empowerment).

Discover the full programme here (in French or Dutch).

Practical Information

Because young people's mental health concerns us all, let us make it a shared priority and give young people the space and resources to make their voices heard. Join us for a day of encounters, inspiration, exchange, and positive energy.

The event will take place on 13 October 2026, starting at 12 noon, at Beursschouwburg, Auguste Ortsstraat 20-28, 1000 Brussels (event in Dutch and French).

The festival is free of charge, but registration is mandatory. Register here.

Valuable support

This year, the P&V Foundation benefits from support from the National Lottery. We warmly thank them and all players whose participation helps fund youth wellbeing initiatives.