Songpa-gu Provides 'Peer Support Mental Health Kit' to 1,000 Adolescents

▲Christmas Music Box ▲Art Play ▲Aroma Oil ▲Dalgona Making and More... Park Seong-su, Songpa District Mayor, "We Will Generously Support Youth to Showcase Their Talents and Skills"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) supported over 1,000 local youths last month with the ‘Doraeul Mind Quarantine Kit’ to help relieve stress caused by COVID-19.

Mayor Park Seong-su stated, “We will generously support youths to grow into future talents by allowing them to experience various fields such as academics, culture, hobbies, and club activities.”

‘Doraeul’ is an abbreviation of ‘a fence where peers gather,’ a cultural space created by Songpa-gu by discovering and opening idle spaces in public and private facilities within the district for youths to engage in career experiences, hobbies, and more with their peers. Currently, a total of 15 Doraeul centers operate in youth centers, future education centers, welfare centers, and others.

The ‘Doraeul Mind Quarantine Kit’ was prepared through the combined efforts of the district and the 15 Doraeul centers. It was designed to relieve depression and stress caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and to bring vitality to daily life by providing experiential kits for youths aged 9 to 24 that enable various activities.

The experiential kits, designed for safe enjoyment at home, included a total of 11 items: ▲DIY neon sign ▲Christmas music box ▲glow-in-the-dark art play ▲milky pouch ▲leather card wallet ▲acrylic mood light ▲aroma oil ▲Dalgona candy making experience, among others.

According to the district, over 1,000 participants joined the kit experience, receiving enthusiastic responses. Applications for each Doraeul center closed early due to high demand. Especially amid ongoing restrictions on outdoor activities due to COVID-19, the ability to safely spend time at home with family while enjoying hands-on experiences resulted in high satisfaction.

Going forward, the district plans to continue various support projects for youths, including learning, cultural arts, and club activities, in collaboration with local Doraeul facilities.

Songpa-gu Mayor Park Seong-su said, “‘Doraeul’ is a Songpa-exclusive specialized project to support the dreams and futures of youths,” adding, “We will continue to do our best to help youths grow into proactive members of society by linking Doraeul and other youth facilities in Songpa with diverse programs.”