Originating in Finland, ICEHEARTS is a groundbreaking, evidence-based initiative aimed at improving children’s mental and physical well-being through sport and mentoring. After its successful Finnish rollout, this innovative model is currently being piloted in Denmark and across Europe.
Research clearly shows that young people’s mental health has deteriorated in the aftermath of COVID-19. Up to one in four suffer from mental health issues, and 80% are not getting sufficient physical activity. The need for intervention is clear. The ICEHEARTS model provides consistent, long-term, personal support for at-risk young people using trained mentors who closely follow their progress and offer advice, support, and companionship.
Sport is part of a much bigger picture in which mentors are appointed to support young people on their formative life journey. Everything is built around the participants and their well-being, and a key task is ensuring that no one is left behind.
ICEHEARTS uses sport as a tool rather than a starting point. In Denmark, the initiative focuses on children aged 6-9 who are at risk of social exclusion. All participants are selected for a grassroots sports team linked to a school or club in cooperation with pre-school, school, and social service professionals. The child’s caregivers ultimately decide if the child will accept the invitation.
Each team is led by a mentor who supports the selected children not only during sports activities but throughout the day—at school, after school, and at home. Mentors are thoroughly trained and have a broad understanding of the many factors that can lead to social isolation and mental health issues.
As part of the EU project, ICEHEARTS EUROPE pilot programs are currently underway in five European nations. In Denmark, the project is based at two schools in Ballerup, Greater Copenhagen. Carried out in collaboration with the Danish grassroots sports association DGI, ICEHEARTS DENMARK focuses on promoting mental health in 6 to 8-year-olds. “Key Mentors,” employed for approximately 20 hours a week oversee the project’s implementation and play a key role in bringing together all stakeholders. “Sports Mentors,” mainly volunteers and coaches, select participants, provide guidance, and arrange further social support if necessary. A follow-up and evaluation process allows for any necessary adjustments.
Following the success of ICEHEARTS in Finland, ISCA and ICEHEARTS FINLAND (as a key project partner) received EU support to expand the initiative across the continent. As part of the ICEHEARTS EUROPE project, customised pilots of the initiative are also taking place in Spain, Slovenia, Estonia and Italy. The results of these pilots will be used to refine the model, and training guides will be shared online to encourage more organisations to adopt the ICEHEARTS methodology. Associate Partners from across the EU will be the “next adopters” in the coming months and years. The ICEHEARTS EUROPE initiative is supported by an EU4Health Action Grant.
Further information is available at ICEHEARTS EUROPE and ICEHEARTS FINLAND
