Within the framework of the project “Youth Policies Tailored to Youth,” and as part of the activities aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of young people in Bitola, a creative and educational workshop titled “Shopping and Mental Health” was held on 6 February 2026 at the premises of Bliss Mall.

The activity took place in a setting that naturally brings young people together — a space where they socialize, spend their free time, and make everyday purchasing decisions. It was precisely in this environment that an open discussion was initiated on conscious consumption, the emotional value often attributed to shopping, and the question of whether material possessions truly provide lasting happiness, or whether a sense of fulfillment stems from inner stability and self-awareness.

The workshop commenced with an introductory presentation by M.A. Marija Magdalena Petkovska Mikarovska on the topic “Shopping as Therapy for Mental Health.” The discussion addressed the impact of purchasing behavior on mood, the distinction between impulsive and mindful consumption, and the short-term effects of so-called “retail therapy.” Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable habits and the potential of thrift shopping as a responsible and environmentally conscious practice.

This was followed by the interactive exercise “My Happy Market – Buy Without Money,” facilitated by M.A. Marija Mladenovska Dimitrovska. Through this creative activity, participants were encouraged to symbolically “purchase” values and emotions rather than material goods, reflecting on what they genuinely need in order to feel fulfilled. The exercise fostered sincere dialogue and created space for personal reflection on individual habits and priorities.

The workshop concluded in a pleasant atmosphere with light refreshments at Aurum Bliss, where discussions continued informally, allowing for further connection and deeper exploration of the topic.

This activity reaffirmed that care for mental health can begin within everyday spaces, through conversations that resonate with the real-life habits and experiences of young people. Conscious consumption, critical thinking, and personal responsibility represent essential steps toward psychological resilience and a more sustainable way of living.

The project “Youth Policies Tailored to Youth” is supported by the Government of Switzerland through Civica Mobilitas.

As part of the project “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People,” and within a sub-project addressing the challenges of youth mental health in Bitola, on 30 December 2025 Pro Local, in cooperation with students and teachers from the Secondary School “Taki Daskalo” – Bitola, paid a visit to the Elderly Care Home “St. Spas” in the village of Kravari.

The activity took place in the spirit of the upcoming New Year holidays, yet with a deeper purpose: to create a safe and humane space for connection, conversation, and the exchange of experiences, as a response to the growing pressures, doubts, and inner struggles faced by young people today.

The students and teachers arrived with homemade cookies—a small but heartfelt gesture of attention and respect. The visit soon evolved into a warm gathering filled with smiles, care, and genuine closeness. Through simple acts of kindness such as conversation, presence, and attentiveness, a true intergenerational bond was formed.

In these quiet and sincere conversations, the residents of the home shared their life stories, memories, and lessons—words rich in experience and perspective, which for the young participants served as encouragement and a reminder that very few things in life are final, and that even the most difficult moments eventually pass.

The encounter was reciprocal: the young people came to offer care, and left with a renewed outlook on life. At the same time, the residents felt heard, valued, and reassured that their wisdom holds an important place within the community.

On the eve of the New Year, this initiative stood as a powerful reminder that care for mental health does not always begin with words, but with human connection, understanding, and shared time. Small gestures can create meaningful change—for those who give them, and for those who receive them.

Pro Local, together with its partners and the psychologists from the city’s secondary schools, will continue to implement activities that actively involve young people in the creation of policies and initiatives designed according to their needs, with a particular focus on mental well-being, social responsibility, and the strengthening of the local community.

The project “Youth Policies Tailored to Young People” is supported by the Government of Switzerland through Civica Mobilitas.