Swedish Communities Launch Initiatives to Bolster Youth Mental Health in 2025

In 2025, Swedish local initiatives have intensified efforts to support and improve the mental health of young people through various programs and increased accessibility to mental health resources.

Tilia, an organization active across Jämtland Härjedalen, received a 40,000 kronor Christmas donation from LF Jämtland in recognition of its work with youth mental health. Throughout the year, Tilia reached nearly 1,700 high school students with free lectures focusing on self-esteem and coping strategies. The organization complements existing support systems by offering chat and email assistance and delivering lectures across all municipalities. Operational manager Anna-Karin Sahlin highlighted that Tilia is especially committed to supporting young people during evenings, weekends, and holidays when other services are unavailable, helping ease the often lonely and anxious transitions into adulthood.

Meanwhile, Oskarshamns kommun is launching two new "friendsgrupper" or friends groups in January 2026, designed to strengthen self-esteem and social connections among youth. Led by youth coaches trained in the WHO-endorsed Friends program, these groups will provide ten sessions emphasizing emotional recognition, positive thinking, and coping strategies. The initiative encourages participation from parents as well and aims to foster safe, supportive environments for youth to improve their mental well-being.

Martin Björkesjö, a youth coach in Oskarshamn, noted that the Friends groups welcome all youngsters seeking mental health tools or social engagement, underscoring the program’s inclusive approach.

Together, these initiatives represent proactive regional efforts in Sweden to address youth mental health challenges by blending accessible educational programs, group support, and flexible service availability, thereby enhancing young people's resilience and quality of life.