Currently, 1 out of 3 young adults in the Netherlands struggle with their mental health. Despite good forms of medical support, only 30% of young adults receive appropriate support in a timely manner. Many young adults are ashamed, do not know where to find help or experience long waiting lists. Since 2018, Stichting @ease (@ease) is strongly committed to offering young adults a place where they can turn to with any mental problems and practical questions, no matter how big or small. This option is currently lacking for young adults in The Netherlands. With the long-term investment from Vereniging Aegon, @ease can make a difference for even more young adults and further develop its activities.
@ease: talk for free and anonymously with peers
Young adults between the ages of 12 and 25 are welcome at @ease for a conversation with trained peers at the various walk-in centres or via online chat. Offering a listening ear - regardless of the topic someone wants to talk about - ensures that young adults can vent, feel less alone and gain a perspective of hope. The involvement of local healthcare and welfare professionals (including back-up psychiatrists and direct connection to the local psychiatric emergency service) guarantees a safe environment where young adults find support, advice and help can be scaled up if necessary. Scientific research is an integral part of the @ease methodology since the start. Scientific research now shows that @ease meets the needs of young adults and reduces their complaints!
“We wish the youth a carefree childhood and we also know that unfortunately this is not self-evident for everyone. When someone is not feeling well or has a lot of worries, this has an effect on all aspects of life. Now and in the future. It is therefore essential that the youth can easily find and receive support at an early stage. Support that is accessible and professional. The power of the volunteers and the expert guidance of @ease professionals is impressive. We see how they can make a real difference together. That is why we will invest in the mental health of young adults in the coming years through Stichting @ease.”
Lodewijk Hijmans van den Bergh, chairman Vereniging Aegon
“We are very pleased with the long-term support of Vereniging Aegon. It offers us the opportunity to consolidate @ease's offering in the Netherlands and make it even more available to youth. We feel supported in realizing our mission, where young adults have free and anonymous access to a listening ear, advice and possible guidance to (specialist) care or local initiatives. We are very grateful and look forward to the collaboration with Vereniging Aegon.”
Paul van der Velpen, chairman Stichting @ease
More information about @ease is available via www.ease.nl. Information about the social support of Vereniging Aegon can be found at www.verenigingaegon.nl.