Our project aimed to address the growing mental health challenges among young people by fostering a deeper connection with nature. Recognizing the urgent need to prioritize youth mental well-being—especially given the alarming rise in anxiety and depression rates—we created a meaningful opportunity for young people to engage in open discussions about mental health, normalize help-seeking behavior, and experience the therapeutic benefits of nature. Nature connectedness had been especially needed in recent years, as the world grappled with a mental health crisis (A comprehensive approach to mental health, EUROPEAN COMMISSION, https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-06/com_2023_298_1_act_en.pdf). According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), antidepressant consumption in Europe had more than doubled in the last 20 years, with Europeans being the largest consumers. The data showed a dramatic increase in anxiety and depression, especially among the younger generation between 15 and 29 years old, indicating that young people were 30% to 80% more likely to experience depression or anxiety (https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/supporting-young-people-s-mental-health-through-the-covid-19-crisis-84e143e5/). The urgency and importance of addressing young people’s mental health had been emphasized repeatedly by European youth in various forums. The first European Young People and Professionals Forum in September 2021 and the Youth4Health – Tirana 2022 Health and Well-being Forum had showcased the consensus among young people on prioritizing mental health. Additionally, the WHO Pan-European Mental Health Coalition in November 2022 had reiterated the need for meaningful engagement in policy and decision-making affecting young people’s mental health. Through this project, we aimed to fulfill the following needs: - The need for more opportunities and platforms for young people to discuss mental health, with the goal of normalizing such conversations and encouraging help-seeking behavior - The need to raise awareness about nature’s beneficial and therapeutic impact on mental well-being through nature connectedness and outdoor activities - The aim of our project was to bridge the gap between young people’s mental health and nature connectedness by fostering an environment where discussions on mental health were normalized and help-seeking behavior was encouraged. The objectives we aspired to achieve were: O1. Fostering a culture of understanding, acceptance, and normalization of mental health conversations and encouraging help-seeking behavior. O2.Developing the knowledge and abilities of 36 young people from France, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia regarding nature-based activities by the end of the mobility. O3. Transforming educational practices by shifting from frequent indoor activities to the regular use of outdoor environments. O4. Inspiring pro-environmental behavior and a commitment to sustainability through a deeper connection with nature. O5. Exchanging good practices between four partner organizations in mental health promotion in the youth field and adding international value to local and regional mental well-being. Our project is linked to the folowing key Erasmus+ priorities: - Social Inclusion & Well-being (Youth Goals 3 & 5): The project focused on mental health, fostering open discussions to combat social exclusion and promote a sense of community. - Environmental Sustainability (Youth Goal 10): Aligned with the European Green Deal, it encouraged pro-environmental behavior through nature-connected activities that benefited both mental health and sustainability. - Experiential Learning (Youth Goal 8): Promoted non-formal education by incorporating outdoor activities, enhancing participants' skills and competencies through immersive, hands-on experiences - Innovation & Good Practice Exchange: Introduced a novel approach to mental health through nature connectedness, facilitating the exchange of good practices among partner organizations. - Youth Empowerment: Encouraged young people to engage in discussions on mental health, fostering a culture of understanding, acceptance, and personal development. - International Collaboration: Brought together participants from five countries to promote intercultural learning and cross-cultural exchanges. - Inclusion & Diversity: Supported the participation of young people with fewer opportunities, involving 28 participants in the youth exchange to reduce barriers to international engagement.