Around 80 experts gather for the launch of JA PRISM in Bilbao

The meeting, which took place on 24 and 25 September at the Euskalduna Conference Centre, marks the start of the European project that aims to improve mental health in Europe.

On 24 and 25 September, Bilbao hosted the launch meeting of the European project JA PRISM (Prevention-oriented Rights-based approach to Support Mental health in vulnerable population groups), a pioneering initiative that seeks to improve mental health in Europe, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.

Around 80 experts and representatives of partner organisations from 20 countries gathered at the Euskalduna Conference Centre, consolidating the Basque Country as a benchmark for social innovation and mental health at European level. In addition, more than 40 participants followed the event via streaming, broadening the impact of this international meeting.

The event, organised by the Biosistemak Institute, coordinator of the Joint Action, was attended by representatives from the European Commission, the Ministry of Health, the WHO, the Trimbos Institute, ENUSP, the OECD, UNICEF and other collaborating organisations. During the conference, the project roadmap and work packages were presented, and opportunities were created for the exchange of experiences, technical debate and cultural activities that fostered collaboration and collective commitment.

Dolores Verdoy, project coordinator at Biosistemak, highlighted “the commitment of all the participating entities and the quality of the advisory board. We all feel part of PRISM, and this is only the beginning.” For her part, Jone Guenetxea, researcher and project manager at the Institute, emphasised “the wealth of experience of those involved and the willingness to collaborate that was evident during the event”.

Objectives and scope of the JA PRISM project

Funded with €6 million by the European EU4Health programme and lasting three years, JA PRISM brings together 59 partners from 20 countries. The joint action plans to implement 61 innovative good practices, addressing critical challenges such as suicide prevention, emotional support for lonely older people, and the psychosocial well-being of children and adolescents.

The project seeks to adapt and transfer these good practices to diverse contexts in order to improve access to evidence-based services, promote person-centred care and combat the stigma associated with mental health problems .

Biosistemak is leading the transfer of two key programmes: the BIZI suicide prevention programme developed by Osakidetza, and the ABC emotional wellbeing programme for children and young people, designed by Curtin University.