Focus Group with elder Youths

As part of Work Package 2 of the EU CERV project Cities4YOUth, a local dialogue was held on 28 June 2025 at the Pissouri Multicultural Centre, engaging nine young people aged 22 to 26 from Pissouri and nearby areas. This third youth focus group was designed to capture the lived realities, challenges, and aspirations of older youth in semi-urban and rural settings.

The discussion followed the Cities4YOUth methodology, focusing on themes such as youth participation, mental wellbeing, education, employment, public space, and digital life. Participants offered valuable, heartfelt insights on the pressing issues they face, including the difficulty of gaining independence, navigating limited opportunities, and coping with societal and economic pressures.

This report provides a detailed account of the session's key themes, quotes, and recommendations. It serves as an essential step in understanding the specific needs of older youth and informing both local and European-level policymaking.

The full report with detailed results and participant voices follows this introduction.

Cities4YOUth – 3rd Youth Focus Group in Pissouri

Local Dialogue with youth

Date: Saturday, 28 June 2025
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Location: Pissouri Multicultural Centre

Participants: 9 young people, aged 22 to 26, from Pissouri and surrounding areas

As part of the ongoing Work Package 2 of the EU CERV Programme, the third youth focus group took place at the Pissouri Multicultural Centre on June 28th. The session gathered nine young participants aged 22 to 26, who engaged in an open, reflective, and often passionate conversation about their lives, challenges, aspirations, and the future of youth participation in their community.

This focus group was structured around key themes from the Cities4YOUth methodology, aiming to deepen our understanding of how young people view their place in society today, the intergenerational gap, and what structures or spaces they feel are missing.

Key Discussion Themes & Insights

The conversation began with a prompt asking what young people would change in their towns if they could. This opened the door to reflections on current public spaces and the general youth-friendliness of their cities.

Many participants highlighted a strong desire for more accessible, safe, and creative youth spaces. They imagined lively community hubs where young people could socialize, be creative, and feel safe. As one said:

🗣️ "It would be nice to have a place where young people can go, hang out, and do something nice together — like a festival or an activity night.

🔹 Participant Responses:

🗣️ "Every Monday we have an outdoor cinema in Larnaca – something like that should exist in more places."

🗣️ "In Nicosia, we had a small youth center, but it didn't have much money. It was still a great place for youth to meet outside of school."

🗣️ "We need something permanent and welcoming — not just one-time events."

Modern Youth Identity

When asked what it means to be a young person today, participants emphasized the struggle for independence, financial pressure, and a sense of disconnection despite digital connectivity. They contrasted their lives with their parents', noting that independence came later and with greater difficulty now.

🗣️ "You work three jobs and still can't afford rent."

Some noted that digital work and creativity open new paths — but only for a few. Most young people feel stuck in survival mode.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "Our parents became independent earlier – we're still at home, even after finishing school."
• 🗣️ "We are connected all the time online, but we're not really close with each other."
• 🗣️ "Now you work non-stop and still can't make it. It's all about survival, not life."

Vision of the Future

When imagining their future in 5 or 10 years, most participants focused not on luxury, but on peace, independence, and mental wellbeing. They hoped for a life where they wouldn't have to constantly stress about income or housing.

Some were already acting on these hopes by starting online shops or side projects. One youth said:

🗣️ "I opened an online shop selling to Germany so I can work from anywhere and be free."

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "My goal is to be independent and live without constantly worrying."
• 🗣️ "I admire people who enjoy their jobs and still have a life."
• 🗣️ "I want to live in the now — not just endlessly prepare for the future."

Education

When reflecting on their school experience, participants strongly felt that education prepared them for exams — not for life. They expressed frustration over the lack of practical life skills in the curriculum.

🗣️ "I left school with no clue how the real world works."

They asked for more focus on emotional wellbeing, career guidance, and financial literacy — areas they believe are essential for adulthood.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "They should teach how to manage money or get a job — not just theory."
• 🗣️ "Some teachers care, but most just follow the system."
• 🗣️ "The only reason I learned about art is because of my parents — not school."

Free Time

Asked where and how they spend their free time, most participants said they didn't have many good options. While events like open-air cinema were appreciated, they were rare and not dependable.

🗣️ "There's nothing consistent – one week something is on, the next everything is shut."

They dreamed of youth-run spaces with workshops, music, or just areas to sit and talk without spending money.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "We need more places where we can be together without spending money."
• 🗣️ "There are no chill spaces — just cafes or the street."
• 🗣️ "I'd love a youth center with art, music, or just quiet corners."

Mental & Physical Health

Mental health concerns were widespread. Youth said they are more aware of these issues than older generations, but services are scarce and schools don't take emotional wellbeing seriously.

🗣️ "Even if someone wants help, they often don't know where to go."

They want spaces where mental health is normalized and professionals are available and trusted.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "We don't talk about mental health in school — it's still taboo."
• 🗣️ "There's no one to go to when you feel overwhelmed."
• 🗣️ "We need a counselor who actually listens and understands us."

Addictions

The most discussed addictions were social media, vaping, and gaming. These were described as ways to escape boredom, loneliness, or pressure.

🗣️ "We scroll because we're tired, not because we like it."

Despite recognizing the problem, participants said no real support or dialogue exists in schools or families.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "There's nothing better to do, so people smoke or play games for hours."
• 🗣️ "Even if you admit you're addicted, there's nowhere to go."
• 🗣️ "No one helps unless it becomes a crisis."

Mobility & Transport

Transportation issues came up frequently. Youth said limited public transport cuts them off from jobs, events, and independence.

🗣️ "There's no bus after 6pm — how are we supposed to do anything?"

They also mentioned safety, especially for girls, when walking or waiting at stops in the evening.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "I want to stay here, but I can't live without transport."
• 🗣️ "If I had better transport, I could actually work part-time or go out more."
• 🗣️ "Some parts of the city feel dangerous, especially for girls."

Adulthood, Housing & Family

Becoming an adult, to these participants, meant financial independence and having their own space. However, this was seen as almost impossible for many due to low wages and high rent.

🗣️ "You work full time, but it's still not enough to rent your own place."

Staying with parents was not a choice, but often the only way to survive.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "We don't want to depend on our families forever, but we have no choice."
• 🗣️ "Living with parents into adulthood is normal now because rent is insane."
• 🗣️ "There's no youth housing — nothing affordable."

Safety – City, School, Online

Safety was discussed in both physical and digital spaces. Participants avoid certain areas and feel judged or vulnerable in public spaces.

🗣️ "You get weird looks when you just sit in a park."

Cyberbullying and harassment were also mentioned, with little awareness of how to get help.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "There's no safe person or space to report things to."
• 🗣️ "Social media can be toxic — especially for girls."
• 🗣️ "No one at school talks about online safety seriously."

Social Challenges & Inequality

Participants were aware of privilege and inequality. They believed access to opportunities (like Erasmus or workshops) depended heavily on family support or school funding.

🗣️ "If your parents don't push you, you don't go anywhere."

Youth in rural or lower-income areas felt especially left behind.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "Some people get to travel and do Erasmus. Others don't even hear about it."
• 🗣️ "It depends which school you go to and what your family can give you."
• 🗣️ "We need more support for those who start with less."

Participation & Volunteering

Most youth were not engaged in decision-making and didn't know how to be. They were skeptical of politics but wanted meaningful platforms to share their voices.

🗣️ "If I could actually change something, I'd join — but I don't think they listen."

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "We need youth councils that actually have power."
• 🗣️ "No one tells us how to get involved."
• 🗣️ "Volunteering sounds good, but we don't know where to start."

Jobs & the Future

Participants wanted fulfilling work and independence. They were interested in flexible jobs, entrepreneurship, and remote work, but also feared burnout and poor pay.

🗣️ "Some people work 3 jobs and still have nothing to show for it."

They felt cities weren't offering opportunities or support for their ambitions.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "I just want a job that lets me live and not stress constantly."
• 🗣️ "I want to stay, but I'll leave if there are no jobs."
• 🗣️ "We need help to build our own future — like funding or training."

Communication & Information

Youth found it difficult to stay informed about opportunities. Announcements are scattered across platforms, and not designed with young people in mind.

🗣️ "Events exist but no one knows about them."

They want clear, consistent communication and the chance to give feedback to city leaders.

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "We need one place online where everything is shared."
• 🗣️ "No one replies when we send questions or ideas."
• 🗣️ "They should use Instagram or TikTok to talk to us."

Future Vision

Participants shared powerful visions for 2030. They imagined youth-friendly cities with art, safety, independence, creativity, and connection. Most emphasized that small steps today could make a big difference.

🗣️ "If I were mayor, I'd open youth centers and ask us what we want."

Participant Responses:

• 🗣️ "We don't need promises — we need real action."
• 🗣️ "Start with one idea and do it well — like a youth event every Friday."
• 🗣️ "I want to feel like I belong here — not like I have to escape."

Young people in the Cities4YOUth focus group described a strong desire for independence, creativity, and meaningful participation, but face daily barriers including economic insecurity, limited public transport, lack of youth-friendly spaces, and inadequate mental health and educational support. They want schools to teach real-life skills, cities to provide safe and inclusive gathering places, and decision-makers to listen and act on their needs. Despite challenges, they hold a hopeful vision for a future built on opportunity, community, and self-determined living.

Summary of Focus Group (Youth 22–26) – Pissouri, 28 June 2025

This focus group brought together nine young people aged 22–26 from Pissouri and surrounding areas to discuss their challenges, needs, and hopes. Key themes included:

• Youth Spaces & Free Time: Participants highlighted the lack of accessible, safe, and creative youth spaces, expressing a strong need for permanent community hubs where they can gather, socialize, and create without financial pressure.

• Modern Youth Identity: They described youth today as marked by economic insecurity, late independence, and emotional disconnection, despite being digitally connected.

• Education & Life Skills: Schools were seen as disconnected from real-life preparation, lacking focus on mental health, financial literacy, and practical guidance.

• Mental Health: Mental wellbeing is a major concern. Services are scarce, and stigma remains high, particularly in schools and families.

• Mobility & Housing: Poor public transport and unaffordable housing make independence nearly impossible. Many are forced to stay with parents well into adulthood.

• Addictions & Digital Life: Youth turn to social media, vaping, and gaming to cope with boredom and stress. There's little support for prevention or recovery.

• Participation & Inclusion: While interested in volunteering and civic engagement, most feel unheard by decision-makers and unaware of how to get involved.

• Work & Future Vision: They want fulfilling, flexible work and support to build their own future. Entrepreneurship and online work were seen as paths to freedom.

• Safety & Inequality: Safety in public and digital spaces remains a concern, especially for young women. Inequality based on background and school funding affects access to opportunities.

Despite many frustrations, the youth expressed hopeful visions for 2030: inclusive cities with art, connection, independence, and real listening by leaders.