Promoting mental well-being through online exchange in secondary schools

The wExchange project aimed to strengthen the mental well-being of young people by developing peer-to-peer methods and virtual exchange models. The primary goal was to promote mental health litera...

The wExchange project aimed to strengthen the mental well-being of young people by developing peer-to-peer methods and virtual exchange models. The primary goal was to promote mental health literacy among youth aged 13–16 by involving them directly in creating relevant materials and activities. The project also sought to address the lack of peer-reviewed methods and limited youth involvement in mental health promotion. By piloting virtual exchanges, the project fostered digital skills, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Specific objectives included enhancing emotional and social skills, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behavior. Additionally, the project aimed to provide schools with practical tools and guidance to support mental health literacy and to ensure equal opportunities for participation, regardless of students’ backgrounds or financial situations.

The wExchange project carried out a wide range of activities to promote youth mental well-being and mental health literacy. Peer-to-peer methods were co-created with students and tested in school settings to support emotional and social skills. Virtual exchange models were piloted to enable international collaboration from students’ home countries, ensuring equal participation and supporting environmental sustainability. Training packages were developed for both students and teachers to strengthen mental health literacy. The project produced two practical guides: one focused on peer-based methods and another on virtual exchanges. Research data on the development of mental health literacy was collected throughout the project. Dissemination activities included seminars, articles, blog posts, and social media content to share results widely. All activities were designed to reflect the everyday lives of young people and to ensure their active involvement in promoting mental well-being.