By implementing this project, we aim for real and lasting change - not just for the youth exchange participants, but also for youth workers, local communities, and other young people across Europe. From a youth work practice perspective, our ambitions go far beyond a single week in Saulkrasti: we want to provide tools, examples, and energy for youth work that continue to grow and inspire. Our main objectives, with practical details and impact: 1. To provide a safe, supportive environment for open mental health discussions. We know it can be hard for young people to talk about emotions, stress, or home problems. Through daily reflection sessions, stress management workshops, “mental health cafés,” and creative group activities, we break this silence. Youth workers and group leaders use non-formal methods like storytelling, mood mapping, and art therapy, so everyone can express themselves and build resilience. For example, a participant who coped with anxiety might later run a well-being workshop for their local youth club, or start “safe space” meetings at school or online. 2. To foster inclusion and improve the integration of refugees and migrants. Newcomers or youth with different backgrounds often struggle to feel welcome in youth work. We use role plays (“Walking in Their Shoes”), “living library” sessions, and mixed-nationality team games to build trust and break stereotypes. After the project, a Portuguese participant might invite refugee youth to their events, or partner with NGOs for awareness campaigns or diversity days. 3. To empower marginalised youth, giving them an active voice in youth work. About half our participants will be young people with fewer opportunities. We ensure their inclusion from the planning stage, offer extra preparation (calls, mentoring, travel support), and encourage them to co-lead sessions and organise group activities. This could mean a first-time traveler becomes a “buddy” or leads a cultural session, while youth workers learn to adapt activities and engage those who are often left out. 4. To make Erasmus+ and youth work more visible and accessible. Many young people, especially in rural areas or with fewer resources, don’t know about Erasmus+. Our project will change this by having participants prepare presentations for their schools, youth centres, or workplaces and run a social media campaign - 2-3 posts each with project hashtags and Erasmus+ tags. We expect more young people - including first-timers and underrepresented youth - to join future projects as a result. 5. To integrate green skills and digital tools into youth work. We demonstrate how environmental awareness and innovation can be part of every project. Participants will calculate CO2 footprint, choose green travel, use reusable materials, buy local food, and avoid plastic. Sessions on climate action (“Zero Waste Challenge”) and digital tools (Kahoot, Notion, Google Drive) will be included. Youth workers will learn to organise eco-friendly and digital youth activities, passing these habits on to their groups. 6. To build key competences - leadership, teamwork, intercultural dialogue, and project management. Through co-facilitation, reflection, and feedback, every participant and youth worker will build confidence to lead activities and solve problems. We provide templates and guides for adaptation. 7. To create a user-friendly guide for youth workers with real session plans and inclusion strategies. Developed by participants, the guide will feature photos, stories, and clear instructions, shared on EU youth platforms for free use by all. Our project aims to strengthen youth work as a field - giving concrete examples, inspiring new initiatives, and showing that every young person, no matter their background, can lead, learn, and make an impact. We want youth workers to see inclusion, well-being, sustainability, and digital participation as real, achievable goals in everyday youth work.