Being Romania Ecosystem Catalyst 

The Being Ecosystem Catalyst – Romania project aims to build a national ecosystem that enables effective, evidence-based action for youth mental health. While Romania has aligned with the EU’s mental health framework, implementation has been slow due to limited resources and weak collaboration across sectors.

This initiative brings together stakeholders from education, health, and civil society to co-create a coordinated approach to bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Through dialogue, joint planning, and clear implementation guidelines, the project transforms fragmented efforts into a connected system supporting schools, educators, and youth communities. Its innovation lies in shifting from isolated interventions to a sustainable, ecosystem-based model for youth mental well-being.

The initiative is coordinated by a consortium of organizations with diverse expertise, including InIm Foundation (lead partner), Wello Association, and the National Youth Foundation. Together, these partners unite their experience and resources to strengthen Romania’s capacity to promote youth mental health and build a culture of belonging and care.

What is the problem you are solving?

The innovation tackles the fragmentation and inefficiency of youth mental health initiatives in Romania. While progressive policies exist, implementation remains slow and poorly coordinated due to limited resources and weak collaboration between stakeholders. As a result, interventions, particularly those addressing bullying and cyberbullying, are often reactive and inconsistent, undermining young people’s well-being and emotional development.

What is the primary objective you hope to achieve?

The primary aim of this innovation is to establish an ecosystem-based approach to youth mental health in Romania, enabling effective prevention and promotion initiatives to scale. Specifically, it aims to create a sustainable national framework for bullying and cyberbullying prevention, fostering collaboration among schools, communities, innovators and other stakeholders, so that interventions are consistent and impactful.

Who is the beneficiary?

The primary beneficiaries of this innovation are Romanian youth (10-24 y.o.), particularly students who are exposed to bullying and cyberbullying. By strengthening the national ecosystem for mental health, the initiative indirectly benefits all stakeholders involved in supporting young people’s well-being, including parents, school staff, and local organizations, by providing clear guidelines, collaborative structures, and evidence-based interventions.