JA PRISM begins its journey to transform mental health in Europe

Biosistemak is organising the kick-off meeting for the project on 24 and 25 September in Bilbao.

The European project JA PRISM (Prevention-oriented Rights-based Approach to Support Mental Health in Vulnerable Population Groups) has officially begun its journey with the aim of improving mental health in vulnerable groups across Europe through a preventive and human rights-based approach.

JA PRISM, funded with €6 million by the EU4Health programme and lasting three years, has 59 partners from 20 European countries. The Joint Action includes 61 implementations of innovative good practices focused on suicide prevention, support groups for older people to alleviate loneliness, and the psychosocial well-being of children and adolescents.

With the aim of reducing the burden of mental health problems, JA PRISM seeks to adapt and transfer these practices to multiple contexts, improving access to evidence-based services, promoting person-centred care and combating the stigma associated with mental disorders.

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

Bilbao hosts the kick-off meeting

On 24 and 25 September, the Euskalduna Conference Centre in Bilbao will host the launch meeting that will mark the formal start of the PRISM joint action, bringing together experts and organisations from more than 20 countries around the world to define the project’s objectives and priority actions.

The event will feature an official welcome from Alberto Martínez Ruiz, Minister of Health of the Basque Government, who will highlight the importance of moving towards inclusive, sustainable mental health systems based on prevention and human rights.

Representatives from the Ministry of Health, the European Commission, international organisations such as the WHO, Trimbos Institute, ENUSP, OECD, UNICEF and international specialists will also present the different work packages and good practices to be implemented.

In addition to the presentations and technical debates, the meeting will offer opportunities for the exchange of experiences, cultural activities and the consolidation of the Basque Country as a benchmark in social innovation and mental health at European level.