L.I.K.E. - Life Investment is the Key to Employment

About this project

<p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 11pt">A<span style="font-size: 10.5pt">pproximately 1 in every 6 people in w</span>orking age has mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. Because of the current discrimination, only a few of them have a chance to get a job. Our project addresses the <em>status quo</em> by targeting <strong>NEETs with mental health problems</strong> (together with their relatives and employers) who are facing difficulties not triggered by the conventional labor and EU programs. The main objective of the project is to ensure integration of those young people by <strong>exploring and introducing an innovative methodology</strong> – through the establishment of “Hidden Likes” Youth Houses we answer the problems and needs of the target group and thus: we find European solutions for quality employment and increase the number of sustainable jobs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 11pt">These Youth Houses are safe places for young NEETs where they receive our <strong>support, mentorship, counselling and engagement</strong> as well as a possibility to perform various activities like <strong>animal and art therapy, sport, gardening</strong> and others. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 11pt">So far <strong>3 "Hidden Likes" Youth Houses were opened in Bulgaria, Hungary and Latvia</strong>. We managed to reach a wide public of <strong>almost 50,000 people</strong>. Despite the pandemic situation, <strong>91 NEETs engaged in the program</strong> since the opening of the first Youth House, and the needs’ based research looking for best social inclusion solutions covered more than 1,400 beneficiaries. We were also able to <strong>form partnerships</strong> between different organisations and services to support young people who do not work or study.</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

Partnering with organizations from donor countries such as Norway and Iceland yielded numerous advantages in implementing effective strategies, adopting best practices, and garnering interest from stakeholders and the media. The expertise provided by Inspiring NGO (Hvetjandi NGO) and the Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders was instrumental throughout the project, aiding in research, developing the Multidimensional program, and evaluating the effectiveness of strategies and actions. It is highly probable that future collaborations will persist.

Project partners

• Association PINS Donor project partner· Latvia
• Codici Social Cooperative Donor project partner· Italy
• Salva Vita Foundation Donor project partner· Hungary
• Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders Donor project partner· Norway
• Inspiring NGO Donor project partner· Iceland
• European Alliance Against Depression e.V. Donor project partner· Germany
• Human Profess Public Benefit Non-profit Ltd. Donor project partner· Hungary