About project

CATALYST is a European project that supports young
people’s mental wellbeing and employability through peer-led career coaching and innovative digital resources.

CATALYST: Peer-Led Career Coaching to Support
Disengaged Young People is a 24-month Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in Youth that addresses the growing mental health and employability challenges faced by young people across Europe.

Many young people experience anxiety, social isolation, and reduced career confidence, which can prevent them from successfully transitioning into education, training, or employment. The project responds to these challenges by promoting peer support as an accessible, community-based solution.

PROJECT AIM

To improve the mental wellbeing and employability of disengaged young people by using a peer-led coaching approach supported by digital mental health and career guidance resources.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The project trains young adults aged 25–30 as peer coaches, equipping them with the skills and
tools needed to support younger peers aged 18–25 in overcoming personal, mental health, and career-related barriers.

Through a structured peer coaching training programme, a mental health self-care toolkit for young people, and online training modules for youth workers focusing on mental health, social media, and artificial intelligence, CATALYST aims to improve wellbeing, resilience, and employability while fostering inclusion and reducing stigma across partner countries.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

To train young adults (25–30) as peer
coaches capable of supporting younger peers in their transition to education, training, and employment.

To provide peer-led coaching support to young people (18–25) facing mental health, social, and career-related barriers.

To raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health among young people during key life transitions.

To develop and provide a mental health self-care toolkit for young people.

To equip youth workers with online training on mental health first response and the impact of social media and AI on youth wellbeing.

To promote inclusion, resilience, and
employability for young people with fewer opportunities across partner countries.

METHODOLOGY

The project integrates evidence-based practices from positive psychology, youth work, and career guidance with practical, learner-centred tools. Training content and resources are developed collaboratively by the partner organisations and delivered through accessible online modules and toolkits. Youth workers are also supported through targeted online training that strengthens their capacity to recognise early mental health challenges and respond appropriately, particularly in digital and social media contexts.

Throughout the project, activities are inclusive, participatory, and practice-oriented, ensuring relevance for young people with fewer opportunities. Piloting, feedback, and continuous improvement are embedded in the process, while dissemination and community engagement activities ensure that project results are shared widely and remain accessible beyond the project lifetime.

OUTPUTS

WP1 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT

WP2 – CATALYST PEER COACHING TRAINING PROGRAMME

WP3 – CATALYST MENTAL HEALTH TOOLKIT AND ‘SOCIAL MEDIA, AI AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH’
MODULES FOR YOUTH WORKERS

WP4 – CATALYST OUTREACH & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (PROJECT DISSEMINATION)