Availability and adequacy of support for young people from vulnerable groups following crisis events

This paper addresses the critical issue of understanding the perceptions of young people from diverse vulnerable groups on the availability and effectiveness of support systems during and after crisis events. While existing literature explores the impact of crises such as earthquakes, pandemics, and war on the mental health and education of young people, it lacks insight into the subjective experiences of young people, especially those from different vulnerable groups, regarding the support systems available to them during and after such events. The SPONA project, titled “Solidarity in Supporting Young People at Risk of Poverty, Social Exclusion and Violence, as well as Young People in Crisis Situations”, sought to bridge this gap by conducting a survey involving 24 young people from various vulnerable groups, such as those facing difficulties at school, those with behavioural problems, conflicts with the law, those belonging to the LGBT group, or the Roma national minority, those experiencing young parenthood, or violence, and those residing in geographically isolated areas. Thematic analysis indicates that, despite belonging to a vulnerable group, these young people perceive the recent crises they are facing as a situation that does not directly affect them to a significant extent: in fact, they attribute greater effects of the crises on other groups. The study reveals a lack of awareness about the available psychosocial support systems, a pervasive mistrust in the support system, and a belief that help is inaccessible due to high costs and increased demand after crisis events. The recommendations resulting from the study underscore the necessity for free and easily accessible professional psychosocial support tailored to the specific needs of young people from diverse vulnerable groups. In conclusion, the findings of this study not only provide valuable insights into the subjective experiences of young individuals in vulnerable groups, but also offer practical recommendations for enhancing support systems and interventions. These recommendations aim to create inclusive and effective measures to address the needs of young people at risk of social exclusion in the aftermath of crisis situations.