Adolescence is a crucial and transformative phase in life where positive mental health can greatly enhance young people's emotional well-being and their ability to integrate socially. However, statistics show that 1 in 5 young people in Europe experiences at least one mental health issue each year. Depression stands out as the leading mental health concern in this age group, with suicide being the second leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 29, as reported in a 2020 study by the Mental Health Europe network organization. Despite its significance, the mental health of young people is often neglected. In light of recent global events such as the pandemic, ongoing war in Ukraine and the Gaza–Israel conflict (and many more) the World Health Organization's Regional Office has highlighted several psychological repercussions, which include increased levels of stress and anxiety, feelings of loneliness, depression, heightened violence towards oneself and others, as well as problematic alcohol and drug use, and suicidal tendencies. Tragically, the high prevalence of mental disorders among European adolescents is projected to rise further, suggesting a looming mental health "pandemic." The social inequalities that existed prior to these events have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Research conducted in Europe has indicated a strong connection between issues of mental health and social exclusion. Poor mental health can lead to social isolation and a decrease in sociability, and the reverse is also true. In this context, two critical needs have emerged: the need to enhance the mental health of youth and ensure their social inclusion, particularly for those who are underserved. The top three needs identified for youth workers are: - The need for innovative methods to socially include hard-to-reach young people. - The need for new approaches to manage, support, and promote the mental health of youth. - The need for new individual and group methodologies that facilitate online, distance youth work. The top three needs for hard-to-reach youth are: - The need for strategies to regulate overwhelming emotions and experiences. - The need to develop self-awareness by recognizing their strengths, talents, abilities, and resources. - The need for a sense of belonging and self-worth. The motivation behind this project is to respond to the increasing demands of youth workers and hard-to-reach youth, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Europe. To achieve this, we intend to introduce an innovative blend of work Creative writing (mainly connected to poetry writing) in combination with Ecocentric Educational framework in youth work. With this aim, we have developed 'Taken by poems' which seeks to empower youth workers to provide transformational and meaningful learning experiences that promote the social inclusion of hard-to-reach youth, including those facing mental health challenges, through the application of creative writing in an Ecocentric Educational setting. By the end of the project, 24 youth workers will achieve the following outcomes: 1. A 75% increase in their understanding of the profiles, characteristics, and specific challenges faced by hard-to-reach youth, as well as the impact of social exclusion on individuals and communities. 2. A 75% improvement in their skills, knowledge, and attitudes regarding creative writing practices and their advantages for hard-to-reach youth. 3. A 75% enhancement in their understanding of Ecocentric Education and its relevance in fostering the learning, participation, inclusion, and empowerment of hard-to-reach youth. 4. A 75% growth in their ability to facilitate innovative, non-formal self-expression methodologies through tools, aimed at guiding and empowering hard-to-reach youth.