Through formal and informal listening sessions with volunteers from the Youth Ratoons and MindClub associations, common and context-specific needs emerged. These were then reviewed with the partners in light of existing literature and European policies (comparative studies on mental health in Europe and frameworks for promoting mental well-being). In particular, many volunteers report a sense of urgency to “define themselves immediately” (in terms of studies, career, and public image), accompanied by anxiety, fear of judgment, and cycles of self-deprecating evaluation. This constant pressure leads young people to make significant decisions at an early age, both personally and professionally. These factors forcibly accelerate the transition into adulthood, often at the expense of self-discovery and emotional well-being. Although many participants recognise that professional support would be helpful in overcoming these challenges, they report difficulties in accessing it due to costs that are not affordable for everyone and the social stigma associated with seeking help. For young people who are not financially independent, this often results in not expressing their need for support to their families, postponing it to a time when, inevitably, the situation may have worsened. Although the pandemic is over, its effects continue to impact young people, increasing social and emotional isolation and causing the loss of key developmental experiences like peer interactions and cultural exchanges. This has led to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress, in a society that often neglects the “inner child,” leaving little space for reflection, self-discovery, and authentic connection. According to the WHO Europe report (2021), young people have been particularly affected by the pandemic, experiencing increased mental health disorders and reduced quality of life due to social isolation from restrictions (Source: bit.ly/4g2LPEr). Similarly, Lass-Hennemann et al. (2024) highlight that global crises, such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, have worsened adolescents’ emotional well-being and stress management (Source: bit.ly/40F8MZG). In response, the Council of the European Union has issued new mental health guidelines promoting psychological well-being, especially for young people, and plans to implement a European Mental Health Code to raise awareness, foster cooperation, and enhance mental health across Member States. Within this complex framework, it is evident that greater awareness of one’s inner child could help young adults better understand their emotions and behaviours. Furthermore, the diversity of experiences across different national groups is perceived as both an opportunity and a fundamental basis for dialogue and growth. In relation to the needs identified, the specific objectives we have set are to: a. raise young people’s awareness of the importance of mental health, the current situation in Europe, and relevant EU initiatives. b. promote insight the ability to “look within” by fostering awareness of one’s inner world and encouraging the abandonment of prejudices. c. guide European participants in understanding the impact of their childhood on their adult lives, providing opportunities to reflect on past experiences and learn from them to manage present emotions. d. encourage young people’s collaboration and mutual understanding, overcoming competition, judgment, and inequalities through inclusive tools such as theatre, storytelling, and the planned workshops. e. enhance participants’ skills in protecting and nurturing their own mental health as well as that of their social networks. Furthermore, the project aims to: Promote the social integration of young people with fewer opportunities due to economic disadvantage. Foster intercultural dialogue among young people from different countries, valuing cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity through methodologies designed to support those facing particular challenges, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in which everyone can express themselves and interact in a calm and constructive manner. Disseminate the Erasmus+ programme as a tool for participation and personal growth, encouraging and involving young people in initiatives that promote both individual and social development. Hence the choice of our title: “Mental Health TRICKS! - Theatrical Reflection on Inner Child, Kept Simple”, because it captures the spirit of our initiative. The acronym “TRICKS” reflects the core elements of our approach - Theatre, Reflection and the exploration of the Inner child - while the phrase “Kept Simple” emphasizes our intention to address mental health in an accessible, playful way. Our aim is not to provide therapy, but to create a safe space where young people can reconnect with their emotions, share experiences and learn simple tools for self-care through creative expression.