Five years of Young FENIX. Five years of building a community where young people in vulnerable positions feel heard, seen and supported. Five years ago, at the height of one of the biggest crises of the century - the covid pandemic - Young FENIX was born. The crisis painfully exposed the vulnerability of young people, but also showed their resilience. What started as a necessity grew into a movement.
Since its inception, Young FENIX has been working tirelessly for young people who often go unnoticed. We not only seize this moment to celebrate our impact, but also look ahead: how will we move forward together? We are proud to invite you to the fourth edition of the Young FENIX Mental Health EXPO - an evening that touches, inspires and connects!
Alongside powerful and honest testimonies from young people, founder Khalid El Hatri, Minister of Welfare Caroline Gennez and Young FENIX ambassador Dr Dirk De Wachter will also take the floor. They share their insights on the challenges and future of mental health of young people - and how we can break the cycle of silence and stigma together.
It's not just about listening, it's about feeling. Let yourself be carried away by raw, honest slam poetry and discover the power of storytelling. For the musical finale, we welcome Rafil, a 21-year-old Belgian artist from Antwerp-Linkeroever. You may know him from Pesten, his song for Ketnet's Stip-it campaign, or from his latest album Zoveel Stress.
The Young FENIX Mental Health EXPO 2025 will be one to remember. Come, be inspired and join us in building a future where mental health is no longer a taboo.
Bitshilualua
Bitshilualua is an educator, entertainer and a powerful voice within the Congolese diaspora in Belgium. She is known for her podcast Menji, in which she brings together creative voices around identity and respresentation. With her mix of depth, humour and social engagement, she is the perfect host for the expo.
Dominique Mertens
Dominique Mertens is a clinical psychologist at Young FENIX, where she supports the team in dealing with complex stories and strengthening care in practice. She also hosts Legend in the Living, a podcast where artists share their mental path. During the Mental Health Expo, she moderates the youth panel.
Dirk De Wachter
Dirk De Wachter, renowned psychiatrist and author, is a proud Young FENIX ambassador. With his profound insights on mental well-being and connection, he brings a unique perspective on topics such as resilience and mental health as a panelist.
Rafil
Rafil is a 21-year-old Belgian artist from Antwerp-Left Bank. You may know him from Bullying, his song for Ketnet's Stip-it Campaign, or from his most recent release Zveel Stress. A musical finale to look forward to!
DJ SAHRA
DJ SAHRA has performed at festivals such as Tommorowland and Pukkelpop. She also toured as DJ of IKRAAAN. A versatile artist and clinical psychologist, she brings a unique energy to the turntable at the Mental Health Expo afterparty.
