Fostering youth resources through inclusive meeting places and trusted adults

Background
Among young people in Inderøy – particularly girls – everyday mental health complaints were increasing, while many girls and boys called for safe, informal spaces without performance pressure and with opportunities simply to “be” together. This formed the basis for Young Together, an initiative aimed at developing inclusive local meeting places, strengthening relationships between young people and adults, and increasing young people’s ownership of their leisure environment.

Method
A process evaluation of Young Together was conducted using a triangulated methodological approach. Data included qualitative focus-group interviews with young people, youth workers from the municipality and voluntary sector, the project manager and owner, as well as surveys of parents, volunteers, lower secondary pupils and upper secondary students, combined with Ungdata, data from the Norwegian national youth survey. Ongoing participation processes were used to capture young people’s assessments and needs over time. Together, this provided a comprehensive picture of the developmental processes and the perceived changes among young people in Inderøy.

Results
The initiative combined three approaches that promote participation, mastery and wellbeing. First, open, non‑performance‑based meeting places were developed, such as the Inderøy gaming club, Sundsøya youth club and a mobile meeting place. These emerged through close collaboration between volunteers, the municipality and young people, and allowed participation on young people’s own terms. Second, trusted adults played a key role. They worked relationally and outreach‑oriented, offering support without taking over young people’s initiatives. Third, the initiative emphasised youth-led development, inspired by the ABC model focusing on activity, belonging and meaning. Young people reported increased belonging and confidence, particularly when given concrete roles. The gaming club acted as a bridge between different youth groups, creating community also for those previously outside established arenas. Personal invitations from peers and adults were highlighted as crucial for including those furthest from social arenas. Meeting places were perceived as safe when a few listening, appreciative adults were present without dominating.

Conclusions
Relationships are the core intervention: stable, engaged adults who invite personally, follow up and allow responsibility create conditions for safety, participation and development. Low‑threshold, non‑performance‑based meeting places provide social support across groups and foster mastery. A youth‑driven philosophy strengthens agency and future optimism, and appears to be a sustainable strategy for reducing exclusion and promoting mental health and social participation.