The mental health of young people is increasingly under strain due to modern challenges such as social pressure, climate anxiety, economic uncertainty, and the lasting effects of global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) show that 1 in 7 adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, while depression and anxiety rates have risen by 25% since the start of the pandemic. Furthermore, youth from countries like Hungary and Lithuania and are particularly affected by alarming rates of anxiety and stress. These factors contribute to stigma, decreased quality of life, and hindered emotional and professional growth. Many young people lack the tools and confidence to address these challenges. Schools and communities often fail to provide adequate mental health education, leaving young people unaware of how to manage stress, seek help, and build resilience. Addressing this gap is essential to empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need for personal and social well-being. The participating countries face distinct yet interconnected challenges regarding mental health among youth: * Germany: Although Germany has a robust healthcare system, youth face increasing pressure from academic performance, economic insecurity, and social expectations. A 2023 study revealed that 43% of German youth experienced anxiety or depressive symptoms in the past year. * Romania: Romania’s mental health care resources are limited, with stigma deeply rooted in rural areas where young people have few outlets to address mental health concerns. Depression rates among Romanian youth have surged in the past decade, highlighting the need for community-based solutions. * Italy: Italian youth frequently report feelings of hopelessness and disconnection, linked to challenges such as youth unemployment and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Efforts to promote mental health awareness are often underfunded and lack consistency. * Hungary: Hungarian youth face widespread burnout, academic pressure, and rising suicide rates. Cultural stigma often prevents open discussion of mental health, further isolating those in need. * Lithuania: With one of the highest suicide rates in Europe and significant mental health issues exacerbated by socio-economic instability, there is a pressing need to address stigma and provide young people with resilience-building tools. With this in mind, together with partners from Hungary, Italy, Romania and Lithuania we developed the Mental Wellness Collective project, aiming to educate young people about mental health, foster acceptance, and provide practical tools for self-care and resilience. By doing so, we can nurture emotionally intelligent youth, capable of supporting their communities while fostering an inclusive dialogue on mental health. Project's core aim: To raise awareness of the importance of mental health of 30 young participants (inclusing at least 14 participants with fewer oppotunities) and provide them with tools to preserve, protect and improve mental healht and at the same time encourage social inclusion by arranging a youth exchange from 2nd till 11th of March, 2026 in Kaunas, Lithuania. Project objectives: 1. Increase participants' knowledge of factors influencing mental health, both positively and negatively. 2. Normalize conversations about mental health by creating a safe, stigma-free space to promote openness and break stereotypes. 3. Equip participants with techniques such as mindfulness, stress management strategies, and positive habits to support emotional well-being. 4. Develop action plans enabling participants to advocate for mental health awareness and share resources within their local communities. Our project aligns closely with the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 objectives and priorities: * Inclusion and diversity * Promoting mental health and well-being * EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 Connect: Intercultural dialogue, networking, and mobility across five countries Empower: Equipping youth with stress management and resilience skills Include: Addressing stigma and engaging marginalized youth * Contributing to EU Health Policy Supporting mental health awareness in public health efforts Fostering healthier communities through education and engagement