STATUS: HUMAN – Young Minds Beyond the Pressure to Perform

STATUS: HUMAN – Young Minds Beyond the Pressure to Perform is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange hosted by CivicLab in Bulgaria and planned for May 2027.

The project will bring together young people from different European countries to explore the often-invisible pressures shaping their everyday lives: the expectation to be constantly available and productive, social comparison, uncertainty about education, employment and the future, information overload, loneliness despite permanent digital connection, and the need for personal boundaries, rest and meaningful relationships.

Through non-formal education, participatory workshops, peer reflection and creative methods such as photography, sound, theatre, visual installations and creative writing, participants will compare experiences across countries, strengthen mutual support and explore healthier ways of responding to these pressures.

STATUS: HUMAN is explicitly non-clinical. It does not involve therapy or diagnosis, and participants will never be required to disclose personal experiences. Voluntary participation, anonymous expression and responsible support will be central to creating a safe and inclusive environment.

The main creative outcome will be the Museum of Invisible Pressure – an interactive exhibition designed and created by the participants. Its six immersive spaces will make young people’s invisible pressures visible and open a wider dialogue with the local community. After the exchange, every partner organisation will organise a local follow-up activity using a reusable Pop-up Edition toolkit.

We are looking for committed European youth organisations working directly with young people, particularly organisations with experience in mental well-being, psychology, inclusion or creative youth work. Partners should be willing to involve young people with fewer opportunities and participate actively in preparation, recruitment, online planning, implementation, co-facilitation and local follow-up.

The Erasmus+ application deadline is 1 October 2026, and the exchange is planned for May 2027 in Bulgaria.

To express your interest, please contact CivicLab at [center.civiclab@gmail.com](mailto:center.civiclab@gmail.com).