The aim of this project was to bring together young people from 6 European countries for a large youth exchange themed on wellbeing and creativity. The project was to address the importance of mental and physical health and wellbeing within the themes of cultural diversity and understanding. The objectives were: - to highlight and explore the importance of physical and mental health - to explore how creative activities can help to increase wellbeing - to create an open forum for discussion around the themes of mental health that is led by the young people and empowers them to share their own ideas and experiences - to support young people to develop practical skills in managing wellbeing that are delivered in a creative and engaging setting - to support young people to relate and feel more connected to young people from other cultures and promote social inclusion, solidarity and intercultural dialogue We planned to engage the young people using funambulism (tightwire with a balancing pole) as it is a creative activity that promotes both mental and physical wellbeing. Research shows balancing activities like funambulism result in empowerment through reasonable risk-taking while helping participants engage in accurate self-assessment practices (Maglio and McKinstry, 2008) Tightwire also represents crossing boundaries that exist in society - on the wire everyone is equal. Circus is a form of physical activity provided in a non-competitive, creative and supportive setting, making it an effective tool in reaching and engaging young people. According to Maglio and McKinstry (2008, Occupational therapy and Circus: Potential partners in enhancing the health and wellbeing of today's youth) participation in circus activities increases positive risk taking (physically and emotionally), increases self-confidence, improves social connectedness, and enables the development of a wide skill base of 'life skills' such as resilience, creative problem-solving and patience. Planned activities for the exchange included workshops around mental wellbeing, physical circus-based workshops and local cultural activities. The exchange was due to culminate in the young people taking part in a large-scale tightwire event being produced by Galway Community Circus as part of the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) Galway 2020 programme. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crossing initially had to be postponed. We had hoped to re-schedule it for July 2021, and we were granted a project extension for our Youth Exchange project to align with this. Unfortunately, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions on international travel and public health mean that it is not possible for us to host the youth exchange in 2021, and we have had to take the decision to halt the project. We are planning to re-apply during 2021 for funding to host a similar Youth Exchange in July 2022.