For education
An increasing number of students struggle with stress, pressure to perform, loneliness, bullying, or worries at home. Yet, many young people find it difficult to talk about these issues or ask for help.
@ease helps schools open up the conversation about mental health through guest lectures, information sessions, and an accessible place where young people can go to talk.
More and more schools are noticing that students are struggling with stress, pressure to perform, loneliness, bullying, or worries at home. Yet, many young people find it difficult to talk about these issues or ask for help.
Not every student needs immediate professional help. An accessible place where someone listens without judgment can make a big difference.
@ease helps schools make mental health easier to talk about. This includes guest lessons for students, information sessions for parents and teachers, and a safe place where young people can have a free conversation without an appointment.
What is @ease?
@ease is a nationwide organization where young people aged 12 to 25 can talk to trained peer listeners for free, without an appointment, and in confidence. If additional support is needed, we work with the young person to determine an appropriate next step.
Worried about a student?
As a mentor, teacher, or student support coordinator, you often notice quickly when a student isn’t doing well. But what can you do when professional help isn’t needed yet, or feels like too big a step for a young person?
At @ease, young people aged 12 to 25 can talk to trained peer listeners for free and without an appointment. A conversation can provide relief, support, and help make problems easier to talk about.
If it becomes clear during the conversation that more support is needed, we work with the young person to determine an appropriate next step.
You can refer a student as soon as you notice that they are dealing with something and could use someone to listen. Young people are welcome with both small and big concerns, even if they are already receiving support or are on a waiting list.
Young people are welcome to talk about anything that is on their mind, from small worries to deep sadness. This can include loneliness, problems at home, loss, and low mood, as well as eating problems, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide. Even if a young person isn’t sure exactly what they are struggling with, a conversation at @ease can help.
No, quite the opposite. Many young people wait a long time before talking about things. At @ease, problems don’t have to get worse first; young people can come in even with early-stage concerns.
Guest lectures on mental health
A guest lesson is an accessible way to make mental health easier to talk about in the classroom. Our young volunteers are close to students’ own experiences and perspectives. This often leads to open conversations about topics that can normally be difficult to discuss.
The guest lecture will cover topics such as:
- stress and performance pressure
- fear of failure
- social pressure
- loneliness
- bullying
- the impact of a divorce
- gloom and uncertainty
We show students that they are not alone and where they can turn if they need a listening ear.
Our guest lessons are suitable for secondary schools, vocational education (MBO), universities of applied sciences (HBO), and universities — all educational institutions where young people aged 12 to 25 study.
Our guest lessons are aimed at young people in secondary education, vocational education (MBO), and other educational institutions for young people aged approximately 12 to 25. We tailor the content to the age and experiences of each group.
We tailor the duration of the guest lesson to the school’s capabilities. We are happy to help devise a format that fits within the curriculum.
Yes. We regularly participate in themed weeks, project days, or other activities focused on mental health, well-being, or citizenship. We are happy to help shape a suitable program.
We mainly provide guest lessons at schools in the cities where @ease is active. Our trained volunteers live nearby, which allows us to organize the guest lessons effectively. Is your school outside one of these cities? Feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to explore what’s possible together.
Information for parents and teachers
We also provide presentations on youth mental health for parents and education professionals.
We discuss, among other things:
- the adolescent brain
- signs of mental health issues
- why young people sometimes don’t dare to ask for help
- how you can play a supportive role as an adult
In this way, we provide practical tools for engaging in conversation with young people.
Why do schools refer to @ease?
Young people can talk to trained peer listeners at @ease—for free, confidentially, and without an appointment. No referral is needed, and young people who are already receiving help or are on a waiting list are also welcome.
Good to know:
- Free
- without an appointment
- confidential
- no referral needed
- no parental consent required
- no file
- also welcome if a young person is already receiving help or is on a waiting list
If further support is needed, we work with the young person to consider a suitable next step.
A peer listener is a trained young adult who volunteers with @ease. Many of them have personally experienced how important it can be to have someone to talk to. Because they are close to young people’s world and experiences, an open and trusting conversation often develops quickly.
No. Young people can visit @ease without a referral.
Yes. Young people who are already receiving support or are on a waiting list are also welcome at @ease. A conversation can offer support precisely during that period.
No. Conversations are confidential. Young people can come in on their own; they do not need permission, and no records are kept.
No. @ease is an accessible place for a conversation. If further support is needed, we work with the young person to determine an appropriate next step.
No. @ease is not a crisis service. In acute or life-threatening situations, appropriate crisis care must always be sought immediately.
Working together on mental health at school
Would you like to make mental health easier to talk about at your school? Or would you like to learn more about a guest lesson, presentation, or collaboration with @ease? We’d be happy to explore the possibilities with you.