This project proposal contributes to the theory of relational wellbeing (RWB) by examining youth wellbeing through a sociospatial lens. Youth wellbeing is shaped not only by physical factors – such as infrastructure and accessibility – but also by social dynamics and spatial interactions. The relationship between people and places plays a vital role in fostering identity, community and belonging, all of which are key components of wellbeing. This case study in Cuenca, Ecuador, is particularly relevant due to the high rates of youth suicide in the city. Recognising that RWB extends beyond the individual and is shaped by relationships within broader social contexts, we aim to incorporate local frameworks like the indigenous philosophy of sumak kawsay to amplify Global South perspectives on wellbeing.

While dominant wellbeing frameworks focus on individualistic, quantifiable factors, the Andean worldview of sumak kawsay emphasises harmony with nature and community, linking wellbeing to reciprocity and social solidarity at multiple levels.

This research will examine how spaces are socially structured and experienced according to sumak kawsay principles, investigating whether young people feel integrated into their communities. Our study aims to answer the following research questions:

1. What socio-spatial factors promote or hinder youth relational wellbeing?
2. How are these socio-spatial factors interrelated?
3. What specific elements of sumak kawsay influence wellbeing?
4. How does sumak kawsay integrate with current RWB frameworks?
5. How can youth participation in socio-spatial factors enhance their relational wellbeing?

Data will be collected through a participatory documentary, which serves as a qualitative method for examining youth mental health and urban spaces. This method aligns with White’s conceptualisation of wellbeing as a dynamic process (White, 2015). The longitudinal nature of this research will allow us to track changes in youth engagement and their modes of being, knowing and doing over time, helping us test and strengthen RWB approaches in real time, as suggested in the u’GOOD funding call. This approach offers several advantages. It provides rich ethnographic data and visual insights into youth experiences in urban spaces

The research will analyse the socio-spatial factors that influence the wellbeing of young people in urban environments, using data from Fondation Botnar’s Safe & Sound Cities programme and the RWB framework. It will advocate for urban factors in RWB, promoting the inclusion of urban socio-spatial factors in broader RWB frameworks to ensure they reflect the lived experiences of youth in diverse global contexts. The study will also investigate young people’s perceptions of safety and wellbeing in their daily urban environments through surveys, observations and in-depth interviews.

The research will deepen the understanding of the interplay between urban environments and youth wellbeing. In addition, the outputs will integrate wellbeing perspectives from the Global South, such as the philosophy of sumak kawsay into the analysis to enhance the relevance and inclusivity of RWB theory.

Evidence-based recommendations will be developed to contribute to the implementation of the mental health law in Ecuador, focusing on improving urban youth wellbeing and reducing suicide rates.

The expected outcomes are:

1. To contribute to the advancement of RWB theory by integrating a socio-spatial perspective focused on youth wellbeing in urban environments
2. To explore and incorporate emerging wellbeing perspectives from the Global South, particularly the sumak kawsay concept, into existing RWB frameworks
3. To address the geographical gap in RWB research by generating empirical evidence from the Global South, specifically focusing on urban youth in Ecuador
4. To generate actionable insights that can inform and support the implementation of the recently approved mental health law in Ecuador, particularly in relation to youth wellbeing and suicide prevention

To ensure the effective implementation and progress of the research on socio-spatial factors affecting mental health, a comprehensive monitoring framework will be established. This framework will include:

• Progress tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs will include the number of participants recruited, data collection milestones and the completion of analysis phases

• Quality assurance whereby regular audits and peer reviews will be conducted to ensure the quality and reliability of the data collected. This will involve cross-checking data entries and validating findings through triangulation methods, e.g. sequential

• Formative evaluation will be conducted during the research process to provide ongoing feedback and identify areas for improvement. This will include interim reports and stakeholder consultations

• A summative evaluation will be conducted at the end of the project to assess the overall outcomes and impact. This will involve a comprehensive analysis of the data collected, comparing pre-defined objectives with actual results