Mental health is a "difficult" topic to talk about. Due to underdeveloped or unavailable help services and social stigma, many young people do not receive the psychological support they need. Mental health problems cause stress, anxiety and, less motivation, poor performance in school/college, risk of early school leaving, engaging in risky behaviours. 75% of mental disorders occur before the age of 25, and that is why it is essential to recognize them and react. Psychological problems shared by young people in the region are stress, problems at school/college, negative body image, trauma, violence, and addictions. The "Elemental" project aims to promote and prevent mental health through developing life skills (soft skills) using informal methods of experimental learning in a practical exchange with nature and the local environment. The project's activities align with the theme of the EU dialogue with young people - inclusive societies, through a critical analysis of the impact of culture (gender stereotypes) on mental health, reducing the stigmatization of mental health problems and promoting social inclusion. Through 10 days of living in nature, the specific objectives of the exchange were achieved: - a group of 28 young people from Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (including young people with reduced opportunities) was enabled to acquire skills for the prevention and promotion of mental health through the development of personal and social competencies - a base was created for the independent development of psychosocial skills (competence to learn how to learn) - the repertoire of practical and creative skills is increased (horse riding, animal care, cooking, needlework, make-up, dancing, acting, camping skills, etc.) - awareness of the local community as a source of support was strengthened (intercultural competence, intergenerational trust and exchange). The implementation of various activities on the exchange made it possible to: - acquiring basic theoretical knowledge about processes related to mental health (e.g. disorders, symptoms, emotional intelligence, personal and social skills, concentration, focus, awareness, the concept of "now and here", etc.) - development of practical tools for managing the consequences of life circumstances and crises (recognition of emotions, techniques for controlling negative emotions, symptoms and coping with stress, self-care, positive affirmation exercises, breathing and relaxation exercises) - development of critical thinking competencies (analysis of causes and consequences of personal feelings: shame, discomfort, fear, the influence of culture on anxiety, expectations of gender roles, frustrations, identity as a process) - acquisition of practical skills for life (camping skills, horse riding, orientation in space, food preparation, basic agricultural work, recognition of some plants, animal care, child care, waste reduction, consumption control, knitting and board game skills, etc.) Learning took place through introspection exercises (contact with oneself), exercises in nature (contact with nature, plants, animals, different sensations), and exercises with "others" (contacts within the group, contacts with the local population, social games). One segment of the workshops is dedicated to the impact of culture on mental health, especially on expected gender behaviour.