The wExchange project aimed to strengthen the mental well-being of young people by developing peer-to-peer methods and virtual exchange models. The primary goal was to promote mental health literacy among youth aged 13–16 by involving them directly in creating relevant materials and activities. The project also sought to address the lack of peer-reviewed methods and limited youth involvement in mental health promotion. By piloting virtual exchanges, the project fostered digital skills, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Specific objectives included enhancing emotional and social skills, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behavior. Additionally, the project aimed to provide schools with practical tools and guidance to support mental health literacy and to ensure equal opportunities for participation, regardless of students’ backgrounds or financial situations.
The wExchange project was launched in response to the increasing mental health challenges faced by young people, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing societal uncertainties. The project aimed to develop peer-to-peer methods and virtual exchange models to enhance mental health literacy among youth aged 13–16. While schools play a crucial role in teaching emotional, social, and coping skills, there are few youth-oriented, peer-reviewed approaches available. Moreover, young people have seldom been involved in designing mental health interventions, despite their valuable insights into their own experiences. The project also addressed the lack of guidance for virtual student exchanges, with a focus on promoting digital inclusion and environmental sustainability. By co-creating materials and activities with students, the project fostered equal participation, reduced stigma, and encouraged help-seeking behavior, directly addressing the need for accessible, youth-driven mental health support.