Wishing Tree project comes to Comenius University Bratislava to support students’ mental health
Bratislava, 19 March 2026: The Wishing Tree, an initiative promoting mental health and the sense of belonging, is coming to Comenius University Bratislava. Its latest phase was symbolically launched during the Open Day of the CU Psychological Counselling Service, when the tree also “took root” in the Mlyny Dorms in Mlynská dolina. At the same time, the University is strengthening its cooperation with the project’s initiator, the civic association Cesta k mentálnemu zdraviu ("The Way to Mental Health"), and is becoming its official partner.
The Wishing Tree brings together mental health professionals, institutions and employers to create an environment in which people can leave one another messages of encouragement and foster a culture of belonging. Comenius University Bratislava has been involved from the outset, with Wishing Trees already in place at the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, and the Faculty of Education. The collaboration is now being formalised, with plans to develop it further over the long term.
“Mental health is a priority for the University. I am pleased that we can now develop this important cooperation in a more systematic way and involve, among others, our CU Psychological Counselling Service and the University Pastoral Centre. It is important for us to show students that we can support them not only in their academic and professional development, but also provide spiritual and psychological support in coping with their studies,” said the Rector of Comenius University Bratislava, Marek Števček.
The next phase of the initiative will be led by the CU Psychological Counselling Service, which opened its doors to the public during the Open Day and, on that occasion, also “planted” the Wishing Tree. “Since 1968, the Psychological Counselling Service of Comenius University has provided free counselling to all students and staff. We see the Wishing Tree as a sensitive yet practical tool that encourages openness, sharing and mutual support. Initiatives of this kind help lower the barriers and concerns that may discourage young people from seeking help,” explains Katarína Ludrovská, Head of the CU Psychological Counselling Service.
During the summer semester, the Wishing Tree will be located at the CU Psychological Counselling Service in the Atrium Houses complex in Mlynská dolina. It will then move to the St Joseph Freinademetz University Pastoral Centre and later return to the Faculty of Medicine. The aim is for it to become a natural part of University life and to accompany students throughout the academic year.
“The mental health of young people is a major challenge today. Many experience stress, exhaustion or uncertainty, yet often do not know how to talk about these feelings or where to seek support. That is why it is essential to bring such initiatives directly into the environments where they spend their time. Schools and universities, including Comenius University Bratislava, have been a key part of this effort from the very beginning, and feedback from students and staff shows that they have a genuinely positive impact,” says Ľubomíra Izáková, Head of the Psychiatric Clinic at the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University Bratislava and co-founder of the civic association Cesta k mentálnemu zdraviu ("The Way to Mental Health").
The organisers believe the Wishing Tree will become a place where messages of encouragement, hope and solidarity continue to grow across the University community.