On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, as Honorary President of MIND Us, visited Leiden University of Applied Sciences in Leiden. MIND Us, is an organization that was developed to help young people deal with their mental health, develop resilience and find help when needed.
The purpose of this morning’s visit was to discuss the mental health of students in higher and scientific education. The students and education administrators informed Her Majesty about the recent initiatives created to increase their well-being, such as raising money for projects that can improve mental health.
Students from Fresh Thoughts told Her Majesty about, Walk and Talks, a program in which students discuss mental challenges they’ve experienced. The Fresh Thoughts organization, active throughout the Netherlands, also arranges various events and offers online discussions about mental health.
According to RVD, any students deal with:
“…stress, loneliness, and pressure to perform. That is why five Leiden parties recently signed the Student Welfare Declaration: the Municipality of Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden University of Applied Sciences, the Local Chamber of Associations and the Study Association Consultation Platform. Queen Maxima spoke with the creators of the movement…”