Spain and more specifically Catalunya offer a unique perspective on mental health care, rooted in a tradition of comprehensive and compassionate treatment, aligned with European standards.

The Sant Joan de Déu Foundation (FSJD) is the host of our exchange programme in Spain. The Foundation works together with the hospitals and community centres to expand scientific knowledge and improve care for people living with mental health problems, approaching it in an integrated way, considering the needs of clients and their families. 

The EU-PROMENS exchange visit will include particular mental health topics such as perinatal mental health, child abuse, refugee care, prison mental health and mental health promotion for young people.

The first wave in three groups takes place in the period February - May 2025, with registrations opening in September 2024. A second wave will start in October 2025.

The multidisciplinary exchange visit is organised in partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one of the directly managed organizations of the Ministry of Health of Czechia established on January 1, 2015, by the transformation of the Prague Psychiatric Center. 

The exchange visit will allow participants to achieve comprehensive knowledge on the underpinnings, processes and outcomes of the mental health care reform in Czechia and its successful models of deinstitutionalisation and community-based services. Participants will gain insights into new state-of-the art research and innovative therapeutic approaches including psychedelic therapy, experience the multisectoral approach in youth mental health, advocacy and education organisations, service users' organisations and media providers addressing anti-stigma nation-wide campaigns. The full circle model of success for inclusion in Czechia will be a get to know and together with its benefits and impact on the quality-of-life of all citizens. Visit event page here!

The multidisciplinary exchange programme is organised in partnership with pro mente Upper Austria.

pro mente Upper Austria provides 60 years of experience in caring and working for psychosocially disadvantaged people. With psychosocial support, in cooperation with clients and relatives, inclusion is promoted as participation in society. The aim is to enable disadvantaged people to have equal access in all areas of life.

In the first week, participants will explore the network of Austrian community-based mental health programs within a holistic, human rights-based approach. Topics include meeting basic and psychosocial needs through services like housing, vocational training, and art therapy. While staying the first days at the beautiful Wesenufer Hotel this model showcases a modern social reintegration setting. Participants will also visit an art studio, offering an open painting studio as well as drama, dance, writing and photography workshops.

Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is also famous for its Kepler University and state of the art Neuromed Campus. Participants will hear a lecture at the University of Applied sciences and visit the Institute for Addiction Prevention.

The second week deepens practical knowledge, focusing on improving patients' quality of life through prevention and reintegration programs. Participants, divided into small groups, will observe and engage with service providers and users in Vienna, gaining hands-on experience in multidisciplinary care. The participants will have the unique opportunity of making a tour through Vienna guided by homeless people, refugees or people with addiction and, thus, have an insight on the world from their point of view on the Austrian capital.

The multidisciplinary exchange programme is organised in partnership with the Trimbos Institute, which provides research, policy, and practice-based advice for professionals on mental health and addiction issues. A combination of workshops, lectures, discussion-groups and working visits will be offered in the main location of the program; Utrecht and other parts of the Netherlands. This event will give insights into the collaboration of a network of (mental) health providers for adults, youth and the elderly in urban and rural environments. Participants will have the chance to get informed, discuss and see successful models for community mental health, integrated (network) care and services for vulnerable groups homeless shelters and on the streets. In addition, they will experience first-hand how service providers place quality of life and well-being, resilience, strength, and support from the environment at the core of their daily work with citizens and clients.

Visit the event page here.

Valo-Valmennusyhdistys ry is a non-profit national association dedicated to enhancing access to learning, employment, wellbeing, and societal participation. The organisation operates across several Finnish cities, including Tampere, Sastamala, Turku, Rauma, Pori, and Helsinki.
The association’s mission is to support, guide, and train some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, helping them achieve a good, ordinary life. This encompasses reaching personal goals in health and wellbeing, employment, housing, and relationships with family and friends.
Valo-Valmennusyhdistys continuously evaluates and develops its practices based on applied research. The organisation innovates and shares new methods that empower people in vulnerable groups.
Through its work, Valo-Valmennusyhdistys offers valuable insights into effective support systems and community integration for those facing social challenges, fostering resilience and wellbeing at the core of its approach.

Visit event page here

Discover Croatia's new approaches to prevention and promotion, early intervention, treatment and reintegration in a fast evolving mental health field. During this exchange visit, special attention will be given to young people and the specific needs they have. While the visit will be hosted by the School of Medicine, University of Zagreb and many other partners across all service levels in the health and social sphere will be visited to get an impression of the full pathway of care. Visit the event page here!