Agents of Change: the programme has officially kicked off

Every three years, the P&V Foundation launches a multi-year project based on scientific knowledge and the voice of young people from across Belgium. For 2024–2026, youth mental health is at the heart of the project, with research, a call for projects, and actions in the field.

It is within this context that Agents of Change was created: a programme spanning several months, bringing together around twenty young people aged 18 to 28 from Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders. The aim is to collectively reflect on mental health challenges, explore realities in the field, meet organisations and develop concrete recommendations.

On 21 and 22 March 2026, the Agents of Change – You(th) for Mental Wellbeing participants gathered in Brussels for the programme’s kick-off weekend. This marks the beginning of a journey that will lead to the Youth Mental Health Festival on 13 October 2026.

First exchanges and building connections

During this first weekend, participants got to know each other through various exchange moments and ice-breaking activities. The discussions gave everyone the opportunity to share their perspectives, experiences or reflections on youth mental health today.

Field visits at the heart of the project

The weekend programme also provided a more in-depth presentation of the Agents of Change project, as well as the different organisations supported and funded by the foundation. These organisations, active throughout Belgium, work daily on issues related to young people’s mental wellbeing, each with its own approach and methods.

To prepare for the field visits, participants were divided into groups around four major themes:

• Awareness-raising and mobilisation through (social) media 
• Movement, guidance and strengthening personal development
• Listening and support within and around the school environment
• Co-creation: sharing and experimenting through art and expression

Evaluation phase

Between 23 March and 7 May, the different groups had the opportunity to visit the 16 organisations. These meetings enabled direct exchanges with field practitioners, exposed participants to diverse realities, and allowed them to ask concrete questions about the challenges young people face today and the solutions being implemented.

After each visit, a form was completed to document the discussions, shared ideas and observations from the field.

Heading towards the 13 October 2026 festival

The next weekend, scheduled for 9 and 10 May, will mark another key stage in the programme. The groups will present what they have learned and observed during their visits. It will also be a moment to start building the next steps of the project together and to prepare for the major final event: the Youth Mental Health Festival on 13 October 2026.

This festival will represent the culmination of the Agents of Change journey. The goal is to share the recommendations, ideas and projects developed throughout the year - and above all, to highlight that young people’s mental health deserves to be heard, understood and taken seriously.