Lekker in je vel

Lekker in je wel, which can be translated as "comfortable in your own skin," is an initiative aimed at making mental health care accessible to everyone in Amsterdam, starting with neighborhoods with more vulnerable residents, such as Amsterdam Zuidoost. The initiative approaches mental health as a complex social issue and collaborates with residents of Amsterdam Zuidoost, as well as professionals in the neighborhood, to build an ecosystem for mental health. This ecosystem recognizes the unsustainability of the current mental health care system, as rising demand, staff shortages, and long waiting lists continue to escalate simultaneously. Through co-creation sessions with residents and care providers, "Lekker in je wel" works to connect and strengthen recovery options and create recovery groups—safe spaces where people can connect and support one another.