STIGMA OUT Kick-off Meeting: partners start working together online

December 2025

In December 2025, the partners of the Erasmus+ Sport project STIGMA OUT met online for the official Kick-off Meeting, marking the first operational step of the project after its launch in November.

The meeting brought together representatives from all partner organisations to start the coordination process, introduce the main topic of the project and define the common rules that will guide the cooperation in the coming months.

STIGMA OUT is dedicated to the connection between sport, youth and mental health. Its aim is to provide sports associations with tools, knowledge and educational methods to better support young people’s mental wellbeing and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems.

Starting the project with a shared direction

The Kick-off Meeting represented an important moment for the whole partnership, as it allowed the partners to align on the project’s objectives, methodology and expected results.

During the online meeting, the consortium reviewed the general structure of STIGMA OUT and discussed the main phases of implementation. The partners focused on the importance of building a common working method, based on clear communication, shared responsibilities and active participation from all organisations involved.

The online format was also consistent with the project’s sustainable approach, reducing the need for travel during the initial coordination phase while allowing all partners to take part in the discussion.

Introducing the main topic: youth mental health and sport

One of the central parts of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction of the project’s main theme: the mental health of young people in Europe and the role that sport can play in supporting wellbeing, inclusion and social connection.

The partners discussed how sports associations can become safer and more supportive environments for young people, especially for those experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness or social isolation.

The meeting highlighted that sport should not be understood only as physical training or competition. It can also be a powerful educational space where young people develop confidence, relationships, resilience and a sense of belonging.

For this reason, coaches, trainers, volunteers and sports youth workers have a key role to play. They are often in direct contact with young people and can contribute to creating positive, inclusive and non-judgmental environments.

Common rules and cooperation procedures

A significant part of the Kick-off Meeting was dedicated to the definition of common rules for project management and cooperation.

The partners discussed the internal communication procedures, the division of responsibilities, the calendar of activities and the tools that will be used to monitor the implementation of the project.

The meeting helped clarify how the organisations will work together during the different phases of STIGMA OUT, including the preparation of activities, the development of communication materials, the organisation of the transnational meeting and the implementation of local events.

The partners also agreed on the importance of maintaining regular communication and ensuring that all organisations remain actively involved throughout the project.

Preparing the next steps

The Kick-off Meeting also served to prepare the next major project activity: the Transnational Meeting in Rome, planned for March 2026.

During this meeting, participants from the partner organisations will take part in workshops and training sessions dedicated to youth mental health, the psychological benefits of sport, stigma, advocacy and practical sport-based activities to reduce anxiety, stress and depression.

The partners started discussing the contents, logistics and educational approach of the Rome meeting, ensuring that the activities will be coherent with the project objectives and useful for the creation of the expected results.

A common commitment for young people

The online Kick-off Meeting confirmed the commitment of all partners to work together on a sensitive and urgent topic.

Mental health is still surrounded by stigma, misinformation and fear. Many young people struggle to speak openly about their difficulties and may feel alone or misunderstood. STIGMA OUT aims to respond to this challenge by strengthening the role of sports organisations as educational and supportive spaces.

The project will continue in the coming months through workshops, training activities, communication actions and local meetings. Step by step, the partnership will work to create practical tools and awareness-raising materials that can help sports associations across Europe support young people more effectively.

With the Kick-off Meeting completed, STIGMA OUT has officially entered its implementation phase, ready to transform its objectives into concrete actions for sport, inclusion and mental wellbeing.