Mental health is a fundamental component of overall well-being and significantly influences individuals’ ability to lead balanced, fulfilling lives. Its relevance has grown considerably due to the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among young people in Europe, which affect their personal development, educational success, social integration and opportunities for growth. Mental health prevention is therefore a vital priority in youth work, as it directly impacts young people’s capacity to develop resilience, form healthy relationships and engage actively in their communities. This project aims to equip 35 young people from 5 European countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Spain) with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills and evidence-based tools that improve their capacity to recognize psychological distress, manage emotional difficulties, and enhance mental well-being at both individual and community levels. From the perspective of youth work practice, "Mental Health Matters" focuses on delivering interactive, experience-based learning opportunities, including workshops, peer learning and "learning by doing" activities, that build competencies beyond theory. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions, needs, while exploring how mental health relates to their unique developmental stages, experiences and cultural backgrounds. By implementing this project, several key outcomes are expected to be achieved. To begin with, enhanced mental health literacy will help them recognize subtle emotional and behavioral signs that are often missed in vulnerable youth, facilitating timely intervention and seeking appropriate professional support without stigma or fear of judgment. Furthermore, the program supports participants in building core socio-emotional skills such as empathy, self-reflection, emotional regulation, conflict resolution and active listening. These skills will help them build stronger, more positive relationships, face challenges with greater confidence, and connect more deeply with themselves. These achievements will also directly enhance participants' effectiveness in youth work by enabling them to build genuine relationships with young people facing social exclusion, discrimination or adverse life experiences. Learning to listen without judgment and respond with authentic empathy helps create safe spaces where young people feel truly valued and supported. This is the foundation for guiding them toward healthier lifestyles. Participants will also explore how to ask for support when needed and how to be there for others in respectful and compassionate ways. Inclusivity remains a core value throughout the project. Activities are designed to create a safe and welcoming space where every participant, regardless of background, identity, or life experience, feels seen, heard and valued. By experiencing this kind of environment, young people are more likely to develop a strong sense of belonging to the group, which in turn strengthens their mental well-being and social connection. Another important achievement of the project is empowering young people to become active members of their communities. By improving their facilitation and workshop planning skills, participants will be ready to lead mental health awareness workshops, promote preventive measures and challenge stereotypes within their own communities. In addition to empowering participants, the project also strengthens the capacities of the participating organizations. By working together on the topic of mental health, the organizations will exchange good practices, develop innovative approaches to youth work, and integrate the project methodology into their ongoing youth programs. The general objectives of the project are: - To promote mental health awareness and prevention by engaging 35 young participants from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Spain in interactive workshops, educational sessions and experiential learning activities. These activities will lead to increased awareness, earlier recognition of mental health issues and improved access to supportive resources. - To reduce stigma associated with mental health by creating a safe and inclusive environment where participants can openly share experiences, challenge misconceptions through empathy-building and intercultural methods. Participants will develop more accepting attitudes toward mental health issues, feel safer discussing personal struggles and actively engage in stigma-reduction efforts in their local communities. - To enhance participants’ socio-emotional competencies, including emotional regulation, social awareness and self-awareness, by equipping them with evidence-based tools to manage emotional challenges and interpersonal relationships effectively. Participants will improve their ability to manage stress, communicate emotions, and handle social relationships with greater empathy and resilience.