Rabobank supports MIND Us to improve young people’s mental health

MIND Us is committed to strengthening young people’s mental health by building their resilience, helping them find their own way to support, and working with them to build an online and offline environment that actively supports mental health.

To achieve this, MIND Us wants to change how we talk about mental health as a society. Together with young people, the organization learns and develops what works best for them and what kind of support is needed from society. Someone who listens and the space to explore their own resilience are essential. Together with young people, policymakers, municipalities, businesses, schools and researchers, MIND Us is building a network of support and inspiration.

MIND Us offers young people the support, tools and space to stay mentally healthy, strengthen their resilience and build self-confidence. This helps them feel heard and develop in a healthy, supportive environment. The projects and tools are aimed at the three most important areas of young people’s lives: neighborhood & free time, education & training, and online.

In je bol (‘In your head’) is an online platform by and for young people, where they can go with questions and find their way to support. De Checkers focuses on the people around young people, such as parents, sports coaches, teachers and counselors, to help them recognize mental problems early and talk about them. In student cities with colleges, mbo, universities and study- and student associations, MIND Us is present with the Veerkrachtcoalitie (‘Resilience coalition’). And through the online campaign #EchtIsSterk (‘#RealIsStrong’), influencers and content creators honestly share how they really feel, helping to break the taboo around mental health.

MIND Us’ approach fits well with what Rabobank believes in as a cooperative bank: investing together in a healthy future and more equal opportunities. Rabobank is becoming a partner, supporting MIND Us with a 5.6 million euro donation over the next three years. This will allow the organization to grow its existing projects and reach more young people. MIND Us is working toward systemic change in society: young people’s mental health should become a shared responsibility, not something young people have to deal with alone. That is why the organization focuses on projects that drive real, lasting change. Rabobank is also helping MIND Us to find new donors, to enable the organization to keep growing in the long term.

Rabobank is also contributing to plans for a nationwide network of accessible neighborhood support. Together with a broad network of partners, MIND Us wants to ensure there are places all over the country where young people can go for support, advice and connection.

Frederieke Vriends, director of MIND Us: “With Rabobank’s support, we can grow faster and reach more young people, especially in the places where they already are: in the neighborhood, at school and online. Thanks to this partnership, we can work with our partners toward a breakthrough — a nationwide network of accessible neighborhood support, so young people have a place close to home for connection, support and someone to talk to.”

As a cooperative bank without shareholders, Rabobank returns a share of its profits to society every year. Health and equal opportunity are key priorities for the bank, with special attention to children and vulnerable groups. Through partnerships with social organizations such as MIND Us, the bank aims to contribute to a healthier, more resilient society.

For more information: www.mindus.nl