Training in community mental healthcare

The World Health Organization states that community mental health services are more accessible and effective, lessen social exclusion, and are likely to have less possibilities for the neglect and violations of human rights that were often encountered in mental hospitals. However, WHO notes that in many countries, the closing of mental hospitals has not been accompanied by the development of community services, leaving a service vacuum with far too many not receiving any care.

Depression is a prevalent, severe and often life-threatening mental health disorder which accounts for around one quarter of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in Europe. Community interventions in mental health care have a proven track record of improving patient health according to the European Alliance Against Depression's activities (Hegerl et al. 2006/2013).

Thus the project aims to support mental health professionals in implementing community based models. It aims to provide them with advanced clinical, social, management and entrepreneurial skills required in order to design and implement interventions that are viable and tailored to the needs of their local communities. The project also aspires to cater for hands-on knowledge transfer of best practices from professionals who are already active in the field of community based mental health care. Moreover the project activities will promote activities towards sustainable evidence-based mental healthcare innovation.