In a landmark moment for youth wellbeing and public health in France, the Planet Youth team members – Margret Lilja Gudmundsdottir, Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO) and Iryna Nerubaieva, Project Manager – recently traveled from Iceland to France, Aubagne to support the launch of the country’s first Planet Youth initiative as a part of the JASS (Jeunes Addictions Sport Santé) project. The visit marked the presentation of the initial youth survey results, collected in 4 schools of Aubagne in the end of January 2025.
Initiated and led by the Centre Hospitalier Valvert and supported by the municipality of Aubagne, the JASS project – a new programme based on the Icelandic Prevention Model – represents a powerful step forward in applying evidence-based, community-driven primary prevention in France. Funded by the Agence Régionale de Santé PACA, the project aims to create a protective environment for young people by promoting sports and community engagement as alternatives to substance use. The initiative is rooted in three key principles: primary prevention, sustainable innovation backed by long-term funding, and strong local collaboration.
During their visit, Planet Youth Iceland experts participated in meetings and public discussions with local leaders and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of long-term investment in preventive strategies that empower communities to improve the lives of young people. In particular, they had a chance to present the Icelandic Prevention Model and Planet Youth Guidance Programme at the local Steering Committee the Centre Hospitalier Valvert, the seminar for psychologists from the Aix Marseille Academy and at the official press-conference at the Aubagne city hall.
A major highlight of the trip was the official signing of a cooperation agreement on April 4 between the mayor of Aubagne, Gérard Gazay, and the director of Centre Hospitalier Valvert, Laurence Milliat, solidifying the commitment to integrate the Planet Youth approach into local policy and practice.
Thus, the city of Aubagne has become the first in France to adopt the Icelandic Planet Youth model through the launch of the JASS project (Jeunes Addictions Sport Santé).
This two-year pilot program, funded by the Agence Régionale de Santé PACA, is a collaborative effort between the Centre Hospitalier Valvert and the Aubagne municipality. The project aims to create a protective environment for adolescents by promoting sports and community engagement as alternatives to substance use.
Key components of the JASS project include:
The JASS project represents a significant step forward in youth addiction prevention in France, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-based, preventive strategies inspired by the successful Icelandic model. At the heart of this success is Céline Succi, the project’s dedicated coordinator. Her leadership has been essential in uniting local stakeholders, organizing the youth survey, and ensuring a meaningful presentation of the first results. Céline’s commitment continues to be a driving force behind the growing local momentum for prevention.
This marks an exciting beginning for the Planet Youth model in France, with Aubagne setting an inspiring example for other regions.
Learn more through the recent media coverage in France:
We are proud to support this exciting step forward and look forward to seeing the impact in Aubagne and beyond.