Gwangjin-gu Supports Mental Health of Youth Who Have Given Up Job Searching

Operated 4 times until October... Psychological stability and job-seeking motivation enhancement for unemployed youth through literary therapy
Communication with peers after appreciating folk tales... Expected effects on emotional development and self-esteem recovery
Targeting 30 youth participating in the 'Youth Challenge Support Project'... Concurrent identification of high-risk reclusive and isolated youth

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is operating a literature therapy program to promote psychological stability for long-term unemployed youth in collaboration with the entrusted organization, 'Seoul Youth Center Gwangjin.'

The program aims to allow peers in similar situations to communicate through literature, fostering emotional connection and a sense of self-efficacy. To this end, Seoul Youth Center Gwangjin signed a business agreement with Gwangjin-gu Mental Health Welfare Center to jointly establish a one-stop support system that enhances the quality of life for young people.

The program will be held a total of four times until October. The target participants are 30 youths involved in the Ministry of Employment and Labor's public project, the 'Youth Challenge Support Project,' who have not worked for more than six months.

The first session took place on the 5th. Participants appreciated the Korean folk tale 'Saekki Seobal' and shared their thoughts. In particular, they attracted attention by discussing their future goals and resolutions while sharing positive emotions.

In the next session, stories will be shared based on 'Gubok Travel' and 'Living on My Blessings.' There is also a scheduled time for counseling where participants can open up about their concerns. The final session will conclude with participants presenting their changed selves after the program and placing encouraging messages about themselves into lucky pouches.

During the program, high-risk individuals will also be identified. If reclusive or isolated youths experiencing depression and anxiety are found, systematic psychological counseling will be provided in connection with the Gwangjin-gu Mental Health Welfare Center.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “I hope this becomes an opportunity for young people whose bodies and minds have shrunk due to long-term unemployment to gain confidence and return to society,” adding, “We will do our best to promote job policies to be a strong support for the youth generation living in difficult times.”