Representatives of HETFA Research Institute, Kinga Tóth, Luca Koltai and Luca Szöőr-Fülöp, participated in the final conference of the MEET project held in Maribor, Slovenia, on 10 June 2026. The MEET (Mental Well-being in Education for Disadvantaged Youth) project aims to strengthen the promotion of young people’s mental well-being in formal and non-formal education through the development of innovative and inclusive tools, methodologies and educational materials. The project pays particular attention to disadvantaged young people and supports education and youth professionals in addressing mental health-related challenges more effectively.
The international conference, entitled “From Ideas to Change: Mental Health Support for Young People”, showcased the results of more than two and a half years of cooperation within the project. Participants reflected on the project journey from identifying local needs to developing shared solutions. The presentations addressed key challenges related to youth mental health, highlighted the experiences of vulnerable groups, and presented the results of pilot activities implemented by project partners. The programme also provided an opportunity to explore the tools and methods developed within the project and to discuss how local experiences can contribute to broader policy development and systemic change.
On behalf of HETFA Research Institute, Luca Szöőr-Fülöp delivered a presentation entitled “From Local Practice to Danube Strategy”. The presentation focused on the results of the project’s pilot activities, the main lessons learned from the Local Action Plans, and the policy recommendations developed for the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. It demonstrated how experiences gathered at the local level can be translated into policy proposals that support the long-term promotion of young people’s mental well-being. The presentation also highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and the role of locally tested solutions in shaping regional and international policy responses.