You only need to open these doors to understand what young people need most today

The Vilnius Open Youth Center "Mes" offers a vital sanctuary for young people, providing a safe and flexible environment where they can pursue their interests and find support outside of school and home.

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The main function is to provide young people with a safe space to be. A place where they can do what they want. A little break from school, home, homework, chores.

Director Žavinta Pašiulevičė explains that the center's primary function is to give youth a secure space to be themselves and engage in activities they choose. Services include psychological and youth worker consultations, alongside structured non-formal education and clubs. The center adapts its offerings based on the youth's needs, sometimes developing ideas collaboratively.

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We offer a wide range of services: from psychological consultations, youth worker consultations, we have structured non-formal education activities, clubs.

Pašiulevičė notes that young people often arrive with complex and difficult personal histories, requiring assistance with issues such as finding work, engaging in volunteer activities, academic struggles, or problems with family and friends, including bullying and other psychological or social challenges. She observes that adults tend to demonize young people, viewing them negatively and advocating for restrictive measures.

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Adults are very inclined to demonize young people.

Opening the center's doors isn't always easy for young people, Pašiulevičė admits. Some are accompanied by social workers, parents, or school representatives, while others come in groups for added courage. The center sees itself as a crucial first point of contact, supporting the education, health, and social systems by being closely connected to the youth. Staff are trained to observe and address issues like addiction or harmful substance use, even when not explicitly stated by the young individuals, often involving other systems when necessary. Pašiulevičė reflects that not all stories end happily, but the center remains dedicated to assisting youth through their challenges.

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It's not always brave. Really. Sometimes social workers accompany them, sometimes they hear from friends and come in groups to be braver the first time, sometimes parents accompany them, sometimes someone from school.