We were present at the “Children and Youth Mental Health Summit” in the Polish Senate as an organization supporting parents of children in mental health crisis.

The event took place on February 15 at the initiative of Akcja Uczniowska (Student Action). It was attended by, among others, non-governmental organizations and activists who have been conducting and supporting activities to improve the mental health of young people for years, including: Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę | Empowering Children Foundation Fundacja UNAWEZA Fundacja TVN Martyna Wojciechowska Dominik Kuc GrowSPACE Poland Dorota Zawadzka Instytut “Pomnik-Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka”.

The Mindset Institute was the only social organization that spoke on behalf of parents. We emphasized the importance of a systemic approach to solving the problem of young people’s mental health by taking into account the perspective and needs of parents. It is they who bear the greatest burden and effort associated with the care, upbringing, and development (including emotional) of children.

It was encouraging to see young people participating, listening to their personal experiences and proposals for specific changes. We hope that this dialogue will continue and that we will actively participate in it as an organization representing the voice and needs of parents. We believe that in a world full of crises and uncertainty, in times of so-called fluid reality, supportive parents are an essential element in providing adolescents with the right conditions for building mental well-being.