Loneliness, stress, panic … Concerns about students’ mental well-being have been growing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. But what can be done about it? Universities are now asking their own students whether they might have a good idea themselves.

Students can submit their proposals until September 23. A total of 30,000 euros is available each year for three projects that promote student well-being, “for example, by raising awareness or offering a listening ear.”

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The Dutch National Union of Students (LSVb) welcomes the initiative, but warns against “ineffective show ponies such as mindfulness courses, theater shows or one-off training sessions,” according to a press release.

Ultimately, more is needed to support students’ mental well-being than awareness and a listening ear. LSVb President Evy Kras says: “Abolishing the binding study recommendation (BSA, ed.) or building more rooms would obviously have the greatest impact.”

Máxima and Dijkgraaf

The universities are working with MIND Us, a foundation dedicated to young people’s well-being. Queen Máxima is its honorary chair, while former D66 Minister of Education Robbert Dijkgraaf is its chair.

Among other things, the foundation created the injebol.nl website, where young people can find information about mental well-being. On another website, De Checkers, young people can learn how to help someone who is struggling.

New initiatives from university students will now be added to these efforts. They will be evaluated by a jury that includes Robbert Dijkgraaf and Caspar van den Berg, president of the Universities of the Netherlands (UNL).

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.