Poland has launched the pilot of uSupport, an online platform designed to provide psychological support for young people, developed with support from UNICEF. Poland is one of four countries testing the solution, which aims to promote the mental health and social well-being of adolescents and young adults.
The initiative is led by the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland and Tuser, a spin-off of SWPS University created by an interdisciplinary team of researchers. The platform is available to both Polish and Ukrainian youth, including those with refugee and migrant experiences.
A Safe, Youth-Focused Online Space
uSupport provides:
- An online psychological support platform for young people aged 16–24 from Poland and Ukraine
- The option to submit questions through a Q&A module or book online consultations with a psychologist
- Sessions delivered by verified professionals operating under the Psychologist’s Code of Ethics and European and Polish legal standards
- Psychological support available in Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian
- Content co-developed with young people from both countries
- Hundreds of free consultations available during the pilot phase, enabled by UNICEF’s support
UNICEF representatives note that youth mental health is a global priority and that uSupport aims to offer inclusive, youth-centered care for both Polish and Ukrainian adolescents.
Why This Matters
Recent data highlights significant mental health challenges among young people in Poland. Research from the Polish Academy of Sciences indicates that young adults report high levels of low mood and chronic fatigue. The “Młode Głowy” (Young Minds) report found that in 2023, 8.8 percent of surveyed students had attempted suicide, 39.2 percent had experienced suicidal thoughts, and 29.3 percent showed signs consistent with depression.
The situation is also concerning for refugee and displaced youth. A UNICEF-supported study (2024) reported that 24 percent of Ukrainian adolescents in Poland scored low on the WHO-5 well-being index, and nearly half reported feeling lonely most of the time after arriving in the country.
Knowledge and Support in One Place
Alongside individual consultations, the platform will host a growing library of culturally adapted, evidence-based articles and guides. These resources are intended for young people as well as parents, teachers, and psychologists—the adults most likely to notice early signs of distress.
Ongoing Development
uSupport will evolve throughout the pilot. New features and content will be introduced based on user needs and ongoing observation. The platform’s staged development aims to ensure it responds effectively to real psychological and social challenges faced by young people.
Official Launch
uSupport was launched on World Mental Health Day, 10 October. The date underscores the initiative’s focus on reducing stigma and improving access to mental health support.
Read the original article or visit the Official Website to learn more about uSupport.
