Our story
We believe every young person deserves support and shouldn’t have to face their worries alone. That’s why @ease is here: a safe place to talk and
Or, in the words of our Youth Council chair:
“There’s a big gap between ‘all good’ and ‘you need therapy.’ So what if you’re not okay, but don’t know where to go? That’s when @ease is here for you.
How @ease started
@ease began in 2017, based on the Australian initiative called headspace. That’s where psychiatrists Thérèse van Amelsvoort and Rianne Klaassen saw how young people really got the help they needed, in a place made for and with them. It was young people who came up with the name @ease. Because that’s exactly what we want to be, a place where you can feel at ease.
With support from Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht University, VUmc Amsterdam and many others, @ease has grown into a movement across the country. Today, @ease is available in an increasing number of locations — where you can walk in, chat, and simply be yourself. @ease is connected to the worldwide Youth Mental Health movement.
Why @ease?
Did you know that 75% of all mental health issues start before the age of 25? Still, only 30% of young people get help in time. Why? Because of shame, long waiting lists – or simply not knowing where to go.
- 75% of mental health problems start before the age of 25
- Only 3 out of 10 young people with mental health struggles get the right care
@ease wants to change that. Our mission is to make it simpler for young people to reach out for help when they’re struggling.
They come to us with all kinds of issues—big or small. From stress and sadness to money issues, family problems, or stuff with alcohol and drugs. It’s often a mix. At @ease, you can bring it all. Nothing’s off-limits.
- Thousands of young people have already discovered a safe place to share at @ease.
- The most common themes are loneliness, stress, pressure to perform and suicidal thoughts.
With us, you’ll find peers who are trained to listen with care. If extra support is needed, professionals are ready to help. Together, we stop small worries from becoming overwhelming problems. And we nurture what’s already inside you: your resilience.
Scientific research
Since @ease was founded in 2017, we have partnered with Maastricht University to conduct scientific research into the mental well-being of young people. Our findings are published in academic journals, helping to share our insights on youth, mental health, and low-threshold care on a global scale.
Our mission
@ease wants every young person aged 12 to 25 to have a space to talk openly. No waiting lists. No referrals. No white coats. No heavy files. What you’ll find instead is real attention. Our
We believe in the power of peer support: young people supporting other young people. It lowers the threshold and creates recognition and hope.
Our vision
Our dream? A world where mental health is normal, talking about feelings is okay and you never have to go through it alone.
That’s why we make it easy for all young people in the Netherlands to get support, at our cosy walk-in spots or through the online chat. Everything we do is about helping young people feel stronger, and stopping things from getting heavier.
For whom?
@ease is here for all young people between 12 and 25. Whether something’s bothering you, you want to support someone else, or you just need to get something off your chest – you’re welcome. Even if you’re already getting help, on a waiting list, or just finished therapy.
You’re welcome to come on your own. Or bring someone with you. A parent, friend, teacher or support worker can join you if that makes you feel more comfortable.
- Follow @ease on Instagram of LinkedIn
- Do you want to help us grow? Look at the possibilities to donate or become a partner.