Youth

The prevalence of mental health issues among young people has significantly increased over the past decade. This is particularly concerning as this period coincides with rapid social, emotional, and cognitive development, along with critical life transitions.

Sija chatbot

Young adulthood is a critical and often challenging phase of life. Many young people face heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, often without access to the mental health support they need.

In Lithuania, the ADVANCE project is piloting the STARS programme (Sustainable Technology for Adolescents and Youth to Reduce Stress), an initiative developed by the World Health Organization. Locally known as Sija, this digital, chatbot-based intervention is designed to help young people build emotional resilience and manage stress more effectively.

Sija offers a five-week programme made up of ten short, interactive sessions that blends established psychological approaches with accessible digital tools.  Delivered through a friendly chatbot, these sessions guide users through practical techniques for recognising emotions, coping with everyday challenges, and strengthening mental well-being. This intervention is conducted in Lithuanian.

Findings from the ADVANCE trial in Lithuania will inform WHO’s decision on whether to scale this innovative programme globally.

Intervention in Focus

Sija: Sustainable Technology for Adolescents and Youth to Reduce Stress

Ten 20-30 minute sessions delivered through an online chatbot using computers, tablets, or smartphones with a trained non-specialist providing motivation and support.

A person using a tablet

Meet the team in Lithuania

Youth and Climate Change

Around 65% of young people say that thinking about climate change brings up negative emotions. These feelings are completely normal, but they can lead to worry, hopelessness, and a tense outlook on the future. Over time, they may also take a toll on young people's mental well-being.

To help address this, the ADVANCE project in Germany is adapting and testing CliMACT, a digital training program designed to support young people in navigating the emotional impact of climate change. Delivered through a smartphone app, CliMACT offers practical strategies for managing emotions, building resilience, and living in line with what truly matters.

CliMACT is a six-week program that combines three in-person sessions with a psychologist and daily support through the app. This is available only in German.

Intervention in Focus

CliMACT

A novel, accessible, hybrid ecological momentary intervention for improving emotional resilience to stress in youth with early mental health problems.

A placard that shows a cartoon drawing of Greta Thunberg

Meet the team in Germany