60 years pro mente Upper Austria: de-institutionalization towards a patient-centred approach 

Upper austria: Wesenufer, Linz & vienna

23 February 2025 - 22 March 2025

  * Registration CLOSED *  

Overview

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.

“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all of the time.” 
― Anna Freud  

Details

DATES (1st wave)

The programme will be held during three different periods as indicated below, with each period accommodating groups of 25 participants.

You can select your preferred period during registration, but please take in mind that it will not be possible to change it afterwards. 

          Registration closed                            Registration closed                                   Registration closed

A second wave will take place in 2026.

PARTICIPANTS

• Mental health professionals from within the medical system and community-based care.
• Educators, schoolteachers, pedagogues.
• Social workers from various community settings.
• Professionals working in prisons and juvenile detention centres.
• Policymakers.
• Professionals providing education in mental health.
• Service user organizations involved in mental health advocacy.

Preference in the selection will be given to Educators, schoolteachers, pedagogues, Social workers from various community settings and Professionals working in prisons and juvenile detention centres, in order to fulfill the project objectives.

We highly encourage professionals from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden to apply. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants will undergo a thorough selection process based on the following criteria. Details on the evaluation can be found here: Participants Evaluation Grid-2.pdf

If you applied for more than one host country, please remember that you will only be selected for one country, due to the high number of applications. If you already received a place in another exchange country and joined that programme, we cannot offer you a new place. This is to give more people the chance to join our exchange programmes.

Applicants can expect to receive a response within one or two weeks after registration closure.
Please also remember to check in your Spam folder!

If selected, you will be asked to enter more details, as a second step for registration. Please make sure to do so within 1 week of confirmation, otherwise we will have to give your seat to another applicant.

1. Country of Residence:
   The exchange programme is open to participants (regardless of their nationality) whose country of residence is either one of the 27 EU Member States, or Norway or Iceland. A total of 150 participants will be selected, with quotas assigned to sending countries based on their population size and active engagement in the mental health sector.
    
2. Level of Experience:
   We value candidates with a minimum of 2 years' experience in the field, though we also consider those with less experience.
    
3. English Proficiency Requirement:
   Language of the exchange visits will be English. Candidates must possess a minimum proficiency in English, equivalent to at least the B1 level.
    
4. Motivation/Attitude:
   Applicants should provide clear and well-structured motivation letters, demonstrating understanding of the program's objectives and a strong commitment to their professional growth.
    
5. Affiliation with Exchange Hosting Organisations:
   If you are affiliated with any Exchange hosting organisation, you will receive priority consideration for participation in our programme.

YOUR ROLE & CONTRIBUTION

Before the Visit:

• Coordinate your trip details with the EU-PROMENS project team.
• Familiarise with the participant pack provided upon confirmation.

During the Visit:

• Receive an introduction to the local context and best and promising practices.
• Engage in group dynamics, interactive learning and solution-building.
• Participate in the conclusive workshop and certification ceremony.
• Engage with a dedicated local hub group facilitator.

After the Visit:

• Fill in the programme evaluation form and participants' report.
• Further engage with your new peers on EU-PROMENS Community of Practice.
• If you want apply for the upcoming EU-PROMENS Training Programme in your country of residence.