Safety Net

The Mission

Our mission is to improve mental health of the local community by connecting psychology graduates with struggling students.

The challenge

Many young people who move to Maastricht have trouble finding a supportive community in which they can discuss their mental health. The resources that are available often require long waiting times, offer a limited amount of sessions or are already at capacity. Loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity (Holt-Lunstad, Robles and Sbarra, 2017).

The solution

Safety Net is a community where students seek help from psychology graduates. The psychologists in the community grow professionally through their work. At Safety Net, we offer group support, as well as one-on-one talks. We create a compassionate space where individuals can find understanding and practical advice (e.g. how to adapt to living in Maastricht). It's a community fostering resilience and well-being, providing a lifeline for those facing diverse struggles. If you fall, Safety Net will catch you.