In June 2025, the picturesque coastal village of Santa Domenica, Italy, became the vibrant setting for an inspiring Erasmus+ youth exchange project titled “Mind Matters: Nurturing Mental Well-being.” Over the course of eight enriching days, 43 young people and youth workers from Italy, Czechia, Germany, Bulgaria, Greece, and Spain came together to explore a topic that affects us all—mental health.
Each participating country sent a delegation of 7 participants, creating a colorful mosaic of cultures, experiences, and perspectives. The program was designed to foster not only knowledge and awareness around mental well-being but also international friendships and mutual understanding.
Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health
The central aim of Mind Matters was to equip young people with the tools to better understand and manage their mental health while creating a safe space to share and listen. Through interactive workshops, group discussions, and personal reflection, participants delved into key themes such as:
• Stress management techniques
• Recognizing signs of burnout and anxiety
• The importance of self-care and mindfulness
• Mental health stigma in different cultures
Each country group also presented the current state of mental health awareness, access to services, and challenges faced by youth in their own societies. These country presentations sparked powerful conversations and helped participants realize that, despite cultural differences, the struggles with mental health are shared across borders.
Yoga, Mindfulness, and Practical Tools
To balance the intensity of the topics, the program integrated daily yoga and mindfulness sessions held on the cliffs overlooking the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. These moments of calm helped participants stay grounded and taught valuable techniques they could apply back home.
Art therapy, journaling, guided meditations, and drama-based activities also played a central role in helping participants express emotions in creative, non-verbal ways. The holistic approach of the project allowed everyone to engage both their minds and bodies in the process of healing and self-awareness.
Living and Learning Together
What made Mind Matters special was not just the educational program but the sense of community it created. Participants lived together, cooked and shared meals, organized intercultural evenings, and explored the local Calabrian culture. The evenings were filled with music, laughter, and traditional dances, proving that joy and connection are essential components of mental well-being.
A Lasting Impact
As the project came to a close, many participants described the experience as “life-changing.” They left not only with greater understanding and concrete tools for mental wellness, but also with new friendships, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to speak more openly about mental health in their communities.
Mind Matters: Nurturing Mental Well-being showed that through empathy, education, and international exchange, we can create a healthier, more supportive world for young people everywhere.
Here you can chek the Workbook – Mind Matters Nurturing Mental Well-being created by the participants:
Here some pictures of the project:
