Youth work is built on relationships, empathy and commitment. But who supports the people who support young people?
Across Europe, the conversation about mental well-being among youth workers is becoming increasingly important. Youth workers often operate in emotionally demanding environments, supporting young people experiencing stress, social exclusion, uncertainty or mental health challenges. At the same time, the professionals themselves may face heavy workloads, blurred boundaries between work and private life, limited organisational support and emotional exhaustion.
Recent European research confirms that mental health should be treated not only as an individual responsibility, but also as an organisational and policy issue. The World Health Organization has highlighted the growing importance of supportive workplaces and cross-sectoral approaches to protecting mental health, while recent research continues to identify psychosocial working conditions as important factors influencing stress, burnout and overall well-being.
What does Y-CARE research tell us?
These concerns are also strongly reflected in the Y-CARE Transnational Research Report on burnout-risk profiles among youth workers, which analysed evidence from six European countries: Croatia, Austria, Italy, Greece, Poland and France.
The research combined a transnational well-being survey with reflection roundtables and focus groups involving more than 120 youth workers and professionals. The findings show that burnout cannot simply be understood as a problem of individual resilience. Across the partner countries, participants pointed to factors such as high emotional demands, unstable or excessive workloads, difficulties maintaining work-life balance, staff shortages and insufficient access to supervision or psychological support.
Importantly, the research identified different burnout-risk profiles. Some youth workers experience a high emotional load combined with weak organisational support, while others benefit from strong informal peer relationships that help them manage stress. More supportive organisational environments, where workers feel heard and involved in decision-making, appear to provide an important protective factor.
This leads to an important conclusion: supporting youth workers’ mental well-being cannot rely only on individual coping strategies. Organisations also need to create healthier working environments, encourage open conversations and provide accessible support mechanisms.
From research to dialogue: Y-CARE Panel Discussions
This is exactly why dialogue is at the heart of the Y-CARE approach.
As part of the project, partners are organising Panel Discussions on Mental Well-being, bringing together professionals and stakeholders to discuss the realities of working in the youth sector and explore practical ways to strengthen well-being, resilience and organisational support.
We are pleased to share that panel discussions have already taken place in almost all Y-CARE partner countries, creating valuable opportunities for youth workers and other professionals to openly discuss the challenges they experience in their everyday work. In the remaining partner countries, the discussions are scheduled to take place in October 2026.
These meetings are more than just formal events. They create a safe space to ask important questions:
- What are the main sources of stress and emotional exhaustion in youth work?
- How can organisations recognise the early signs of burnout?
- What kind of support do youth workers actually need?
- How can peer support become a more structured and sustainable resource?
- What can managers and organisations do to promote psychological safety?
- How can we create a healthier balance between professional commitment and personal well-being?
The experiences shared during the Y-CARE activities confirm that youth workers are often highly committed to their profession. However, commitment should not come at the cost of their own mental health.
From speaking openly to creating change
One of the most encouraging aspects of the Y-CARE discussions is the willingness of professionals to speak openly about challenges that are sometimes difficult to discuss in the workplace.
The project research shows that informal peer support is already an important resource for many youth workers, but it is often not structured, facilitated or recognised as part of working time. At the same time, psychological safety, empathetic leadership and participation in organisational decision-making can help reduce burnout risks.
The message emerging from the Y-CARE activities is therefore clear: well-being needs to become part of the culture of youth work — not an emergency response when someone is already experiencing burnout.
The Y-CARE project continues to turn research and professional experiences into practical solutions, including training opportunities, peer support networks, digital resources and tools designed to strengthen resilience and work-life balance among youth workers.
Because supporting young people starts with supporting the people who work with them.
Y-CARE – Youth-Centered Approaches for Resilience and Empowerment is committed to keeping this conversation going across Europe.
