This study, published in BJPsych Open (May 2024), looked at the impact of @ease’s walk-in spaces on young people (ages 12–25). It’s an outcome study covering the first five years of @ease.
Key data
- Publication: May 3, 2024
- Authors: Anouk Boonstra, Thérèse A.M.J. van Amelsvoort, Rianne M.C. Klaassen, Arne Popma, Nina H. Grootendorst-van Mil, Wim Veling, Remco F.P. de Winter, Nynke Boonstra, Sophie M.J. Leijdesdorff
- Institutions: Maastricht University, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Journal: BJPsych Open, Cambridge University Press
Summary
Background: Many young people face mental struggles and barriers in regular care. @ease offers a low-threshold alternative through trained peers.
Aim: To investigate changes in psychological well-being, functioning and school participation among visitors of @ease (2018–2022).
Method:
- 754 young people voluntarily completed questionnaires (CORE-10 for mental health issues, SOFAS for social functioning).
- Measurements compared from first to last visit and from first three visits.
Results:
- 97% had a clinically high distress score upon arrival
- 30% thought about suicide upon entering
Between first and third visit:
- Mental health complaints decreased significantly (average -3.8 CORE-10)
- Social functioning improved (+3.9 SOFAS)
- 39.6% improved reliably and 28.0% clinically significantly in functioning
- Satisfaction with conversations: 4.5/5
- School dropout rate decreased by almost 30%
- More young people subsequently gained access to additional help (GP, psychologist, study counselor)
Conclusion
After visiting @ease, young people experience fewer mental health complaints and function better in daily life. They’re also very satisfied with the conversations they’ve had. These findings highlight how valuable accessible peer support is, and lay the groundwork for future research with a control group to further explore the causal effect.
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