d. 25.02.25

Researchers conclude that headspace Denmark enhances wellbeing, particularly among the most vulnerable, and may potentially prevent mental illness — an initiative highlighted by the Trivselskommissionen (the Wellbeing Commission) as part of the solution to youth distress

 

An increasing number of young people in Denmark struggle with poor mental health, which affects their quality of life and creates challenges for society on multiple levels.

At the same time, Trivselskommissionen (Wellbeing Commission) has presented 35 recommendations on how to improve youth wellbeing in Denmark. Among these, low-threshold services that offer free and anonymous help to young people are emphasised as part of the solution to promote wellbeing.

There are many support services available to young people but measuring their effectiveness—or whether they have any effect can be difficult and uncertain.

However, a new evaluation confirms that headspace Denmark’s counselling improves young people’s wellbeing. The evaluation, conducted by researchers from Region Hovedstadens Psykiatri (Mental Health Service in the Capital Region of Denmark), also concludes that increased wellbeing may reduce the risk of developing mental illness among young people.

Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, founder and patron of headspace Denmark, remarks:

“I am happy and proud that we now have clear evidence that our efforts work. We have never doubted that headspace makes a difference for young people, because they have told us so themselves. But now that research confirms it — it’s huge. And it gives us an even stronger foundation for continuing our work to ensure that young people in Denmark always have someone to turn to when they face challenges in life—no matter who they are, what burdens they carry, or where in the country they live.”

Thousands of young people participated in the study
The impact evaluation included 1,532 young people who have used headspace and a control group of 9,926 young people. Never before has the effectiveness of a service like headspace been studied on such a large scale.

The impact evaluation is further supported by a qualitative study that reinforces and elaborates on its findings.

Great potential in prevention and health promotion
Regarding the evaluation, which is part of a five-year research project, research leader Lene Eplov states:

“We conclude that headspace plays a crucial role in identifying and supporting young people in distress. With its significant preventive and health-promoting potential, headspace is a key player in efforts to improve youth mental health. Surprisingly, the study also shows that the young people experiencing the greatest distress benefit the most from headspace.”

In the next phases of the project, the research team will investigate whether headspace increases young people’s long-term participation in the labour market and/or reduces their use of health and social services. It will also assess the socioeconomic effects of headspace Denmark’s efforts.

headspace offers counselling via chat and in 36 centres nationwide
headspace Denmark provides in-person counselling for young people in 36 centres across the country, as well as through a national chat counselling service. In five of the centres, family counselling is also available under the headspace Family initiative.

Read more and get in touch with headspace here:

The impact evaluation work is supported by Trygfonden.

For more information, contact:

Joyce Cathleen Hall Andersen

Press Officer at headspace/Det Sociale Netværk

Møn: 9292 4620

E-mail: jcha@detsocialenetvaerk.dk