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!

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.