This year, the Community Day was entirely dedicated to young people and spreading the message that we are not alone in our struggles, as they are a normal part of life and growing up. Together with experts, the youth explored how mutual support can help overcome even the toughest moments. Inspiring stories were shared by young people who overcame their difficulties and found a path to a brighter future. They learned how crucial mutual support is and how each of us can contribute to a better world.

In the morning part of the program, interactive workshops for young people were held, where small groups discussed topics such as stress, anxiety, and how to seek help when needed. At the mental health organizations' fair, participants gathered information about the support available specifically for them.

Special attention was also given to adult participants – parents, teachers, and professionals – with a keynote lecture on adolescent mental health, presenting practical guidelines for helping young people facing challenges.

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Creative Contest and Exhibition: A (se) štekaš ?!?

The all-day event was enriched with the official opening of the “A (se) štekaš?!?”, which showcases the stories of young people dealing with mental health distress. The exhibition concept explores the depth of these experiences through artistic expression and is designed with the thought that no one is alone in their struggles.

The opening event was accompanied by original songs “Pump up the Blood” and “Don't Throw Your Life Away” performed by the young singer-songwriter Mark Godina, who creates and plays as a solo project under the name Market Garden. In the welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Vito Vitrih, Director of UP IAM, and Prof. Dr. Vita Poštuvan, Deputy Head of the UP IAM Slovenian Centre for Suicide Research, greeted the participants, both emphasizing the importance of open conversations about suicidal behavior and struggles.

In his speech, Prof. Vitrih mentioned that between 2013 and 2023, over 250 high school and elementary students participated in the project's contest, submitting more than 200 different contributions. He reiterated that mental health should be a priority for each of us. Prof. Poštuvan thanked her team for their effort and work, adding about the contest: “We wanted to hear from the youth without restrictions. We wanted their involvement, their authenticity, and we are interested in how they see struggles and how they resolve them.”

Mag. Martina Marušič Kos concluded the official part of the opening with an invitation for participants to view, observe, read, and especially feel the exhibition.

The Community Day was organized with the support of donations from the Triple i conference, the project "A (se) štekaš?!?", co-financed by the Ministry of Health, and the research project on the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic, co-financed by ARIS.