«Straightforward help for troubled young people»

Ms Rudari, who is behind Caremeleon?

Two social education workers and a nurse with further training in behavioural and trauma therapy. We have been working together for many years in a psychotherapy ward for young people. With Caremeleon, we want to create a contact point that supports adolescents before they develop a psychiatric disorder and offers them professional support.

The «Zäme unterwegs» programme relies on an online community for this purpose. Who is it aimed at?

Young people between the ages of 14 and 21 who are going through a difficult time mentally. This could be because they feel overwhelmed, misunderstood or lonely, because they have family conflicts or emotional problems, or because they are struggling in other ways. A diagnosis is not required. We are the right place for anyone who wants straightforward professional help and is interested in meeting like-minded people who support each other and want to work together on personal goals.

Dealing with difficult feelings and relationships, as well as related strategies, are central themes for us.

How does such a community work?

During the weekly Zoom calls we would like to offer, we will provide experts with thematic input and moderate the discussion to create a trusting environment. The content will be tailored to the young people: Where are they right now, what is on their minds? How do they deal with it, what helps others in such moments?

Key topics will certainly include dealing with difficult feelings and relationships, as well as related strategies. We also want to talk about responsibility – towards others and ourselves: what can young people do when they are confronted with self-harm or suicidal thoughts?

On an online platform, members also find short prompts and simple exercises on topics such as self-care and emotion regulation three times a week . Young people are allowed to participate in the call without a camera and consume passively – but not anonymously. A prerequisite for participation is an online introductory meeting with us.