On Wednesday 24 November 2021, Queen Máxima visited our @ease location in Amsterdam. Volunteers and professionals from @ease and other organisations spoke with her about young people’s mental health. Everyone present stressed how important it is to be meaningfully present in the lives of young people, and to support each other in that mission. MIND, who helped organise this visit, highlighted @ease and others as strong examples of low-threshold support for youth. You can read more in this post.
Feeling truly seen and heard, that’s what young people at @ease appreciate most. And that’s exactly what Queen Máxima offered during her visit. We deeply value that she took the time to talk with different organisations about youth mental health. It helps create more openness, awareness and connection. In the photo, you see volunteer and peer expert Jenny Getz sharing an important message with our Queen: “It’s so important that we really listen to young people. Preventing mental health problems early on makes all the difference.”
About @ease
At @ease, young people can reach out easily and anonymously for a listening ear or any questions they may have. At our walk-in locations and via the online chat, they talk to trained peers. Our young volunteers are supported by care professionals, researchers and psychiatrists. Through ongoing scientific research, we make sure our approach keeps meeting the needs of young people. @ease is made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers and professionals, and through collaboration with local and national partners, municipalities and the Ministry of Health (VWS).