Talking about mental health is not always easy. Yet it is a topic that affects all of us, especially young people who face a wide range of challenges, expectations and stressful situations in their everyday lives. How can we take better care of ourselves? How can we recognize when someone else is struggling? And how can we support one another? These were just some of the questions explored by young people from Germany, France, Italy and Spain during the international youth exchange “Breaking the Silence: Youth for Mental Health Awareness”, which took place from October 19 to 26, 2026, at the European Youth Education Centre Magdeburg (EJBM).

After getting to know each other through various team-building activities, the participants began by exploring what mental health means to them personally. In interactive workshops, they discussed stress and its impact on everyday life and learned different strategies for coping with challenging situations. They also explored why mental health issues are still often surrounded by prejudice and how language can either challenge or reinforce these attitudes. Together, the young people reflected on how they can support friends who are going through difficult times.

As the week progressed, the participants became increasingly involved in shaping the programme themselves. Working in their national groups, they developed and facilitated their own small workshops on mental health, sharing their perspectives and ideas. During the “Breaking the Silence Campaign Lab”, they then explored ways to raise awareness of mental health among other young people.

There were also plenty of opportunities to connect outside the workshops. One particularly popular activity was the “Walk & Talk” through Ottersleben, during which participants changed conversation partners several times throughout the walk. This created opportunities for new conversations and connections. The group also explored Magdeburg's city centre during a trip together. In the evenings, participants enjoyed an intercultural evening, a silent disco and games together.

Another special aspect of the week was the exchange with an international training course taking place at EJBM at the same time. Participants from the training course designed and facilitated their own mental health workshop for the youth group. This brought the two projects together and created opportunities to connect with people beyond their own group.

Towards the end of the week, the young people explored how the challenges they had discussed could be turned into concrete solutions. During a “Mental Health Gallery Walk”, they presented their results and reflected on their shared experiences. After one final evening together, it was time to say goodbye.

By the end of the exchange, participants took home not only new knowledge about mental health, but also many shared memories and new friendships across borders. A heartfelt thank you to all participants for their openness, ideas and the many meaningful conversations. We would also like to thank everyone who supported and helped make this youth exchange possible. We look back on a wonderful and enriching week!