United Societies of Balkans (USB) is a non-profit organisation based in Thessaloniki, working towards an inclusive society with equal opportunities, mental wellbeing and active participation for all. Since 2008, USB has brought together young people, professionals and communities across South-Eastern Europe through education, intervention, volunteering and awareness-raising programmes.
The organisation was founded on the belief that young people are agents of change, capable of co-creating fairer, more sustainable and more solidarity-based societies. Today, USB continues to build bridges of cooperation between individuals, organisations and communities, prioritising mental and social wellbeing, diversity and active citizenship.
Vision
A society where all young people, especially those from vulnerable groups, experience mental and social wellbeing, are recognised as agents of change and actively participate in shaping sustainable, fair and inclusive local communities.
Mission
To empower young people and vulnerable social groups through education, awareness-raising, psychosocial support and volunteering programmes, promoting balance, participation and democracy in an open, multicultural and inclusive environment.
Target Groups
USB designs activities that reach different groups in society, with the common aim of empowerment, participation and connection.
Young people aged 16–35
Young people are at the heart of USB. Through non-formal education, volunteering and psychosocial empowerment activities, we support the development of active, reflective and participatory citizens. Special attention is given to young people with fewer opportunities, unemployed young people, Roma, refugees and migrants, LGBTQI+ people, people with disabilities or psychosocial difficulties, and young people from rural or remote areas.
Youth and education professionals
USB works with youth workers, educators, psychologists, social workers, counsellors and trainers to strengthen their knowledge, tools and impact in supporting young people. It provides frameworks for training, networking and the exchange of good practice, contributing to the creation of an ecosystem of professionals who promote mental wellbeing, participation and social inclusion.
Vulnerable and marginalised groups
USB supports people facing social exclusion or inequality through psychosocial empowerment, counselling and participatory initiatives. The aim is to strengthen the voice and visibility of these groups and to promote social inclusion through equal opportunities and safe environments.
Local communities
USB invests in social cohesion and local action, working with municipalities, schools, associations, cultural organisations and citizens. Through collective initiatives, it creates spaces for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity, where citizens take an active role in shaping solutions for their communities.
General public and civil society
Through campaigns, public actions and creative communication tools, USB raises awareness among the wider public of issues relating to equality, mental health, the environment and democracy. It encourages a culture of respect, dialogue and collective responsibility, promoting tolerance and inclusion as shared social values.
Main Objectives
- To strengthen the mental and social wellbeing of all individuals through activities that cultivate self-awareness, resilience and social balance.
- To create participatory and supportive frameworks that encourage young people’s voices and active citizenship.
- To develop social and professional skills to combat unemployment and strengthen socially responsible entrepreneurship.
- To strengthen social cohesion through activities that mobilise communities.
- To promote human rights, equality and diversity through innovative and creative tools.
Activities
USB’s activities are developed at local, regional and international level and include:
- Educational programmes and training seminars
- Mental health and wellbeing interventions
- Volunteering programmes and traineeships
- Information and awareness-raising campaigns
- Arts and creativity workshops
- Conferences, festivals and intercultural activities
- Research, manuals and educational tools
- Creation of audiovisual and digital content
- Structured dialogue activities
Together, for societies that flourish
At United Societies of Balkans, we believe that real change begins when people come together around shared values and a common purpose. We are not simply an organisation; we are a community of professionals, young people and volunteers who envision, design and implement activities with meaningful social impact.
With consistency, transparency and passion, we invest in people and relationships that stand the test of time. We create programmes that empower lives, strengthen mental resilience and cultivate democracy, solidarity and inclusion.
Every partnership, every form of support and every new idea becomes part of a network that builds resilient societies where no one is left behind.
Together, we can turn our values into action, give space to young people’s voices, strength to communities and hope for the future.
