Advancing Mental Health Care Reform in Czechia:
Deinstitutionalization, prevention and innovation

Prague

10.11.2024 - 31.05.2025

Registrations are closed

Overview

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. 

"Anyone who cannot come to terms with his life while he is alive needs one hand to ward off a little his despair over his fate... but with his other hand he can note down what he sees among the ruins." 

FRANZ KAFKA (3 July 1883 – 3 June 1924) 

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 the possible to change it afterwards. 

A second wave will take place from October 2025, with registration opening in summer 2025.

PARTICIPANTS

• Health professionals working in mental health sector  
• Teachers and educators working in the educational setting  
• Social workers working in various community settings  
• Professionals working in prisons and juvenile detention centres  
• Mental health policy makers and experts/advisors in mental health policy at the national and community levels
• Members of the service users/people with lived experience organisations who are involved in mental health advocacy and service improvement
• Trainers and mentors of students, apprentices, and the workforce of the above-mentioned professions 

SELECTION PROCESS

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

In case you have applied for more than one hosting country please consider that - due to the high number of applications received - you will only be selected once. 

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.

Applicants can expect to receive a response within one week after registration closute (19/08/2024). 

Please also remember to check in your Spam folder!

YOUR ROLE & CONTRIBUTION

Before the Visit:

• Coordinate your trip details with the EU-PROMENS project team.
• Familiarize 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 wanted apply for the upcoming EU-PROMENS Training Programme in your country of residence.