Summary

Unwind is a low-threshold programme that merges music, art and cultural participation with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to boost resilience among 12- to 25-year-olds in Rotterdam. Trained coaches run creative sessions encouraging self-expression, peer support and distress detection. Co-created with participants, the project yields a Best Practice package containing exercises, referral pathways and implementation guidelines. Designed for rapid adaptation, this youth-driven toolkit can be deployed in other urban contexts, linking cultural activities to accessible, scalable mental health support in urban communities.