The mental health of young people is one of the key challenges of today's society, recognized both at the European and national levels. The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 clearly highlights the importance of mental health and well-being and sets the goal of increasing the level of mental well-being and ending the stigmatization associated with mental health problems by promoting social inclusion. The World Health Organization also lists mental health as one of the public health priorities, while the Republic of Croatia adopted the Strategic Framework for the Development of Mental Health by 2050, recognizing the need for a systematic approach to this area. According to data from inpatient health care in Croatia, mental and behavioral disorders account for about 6% of all hospitalizations, which indicates a significant social and health challenge. Local research further confirms the need for greater engagement in this area. Thus, during 2024, a survey was conducted among young people aged 16 to 25 in the city of Đurđevac, in which participants clearly expressed the need for more activities and education related to mental health. Young people recognize the importance of mental well-being, but at the same time they encounter obstacles in accessing information and support. A particularly vulnerable group in this context are young people from foster families, who face a number of challenges – from feelings of insecurity and non-belonging to an increased risk of anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties. Their social inclusion and emotional empowerment are key to their well-being and long-term social integration. The main objective of the Mind & Belonging project The Mind & Belonging project aims to empower young people from foster families through education, exchange of experiences and development of skills to preserve mental health, thus promoting their social inclusion and reducing the mental barriers they face. Specific objectives of the project 1.Reduce the stigma around mental health and provide young people with a safe space to talk about their own experiences and challenges. 2.Develop support mechanisms and a peer support network to provide young people a safer space to express and share their challenges. 3.To encourage intercultural exchange and cooperation between young people from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, thereby strengthening their social connections and sense of belonging. 4.Through project activities, participants will participate in workshops based on experiential learning, creative methods of expression and guided discussions. Erasmus+ exchange will provide young people from foster families with the opportunity to participate in international activities and to learn from each other, developing empathy and mutual understanding.