Level-up skills mental health professionals - an inclusive approach for working with people with mental illness
▶Summary
Our main goal in implementing the „Mind-up” project was to enhance the professional skills of occupational therapists to effectively support institutionalized adults facing mental health challenge...
▶Objectives
Our main goal in implementing the „Mind-up” project was to enhance the professional skills of occupational therapists to effectively support institutionalized adults facing mental health challenges. Specifically, we aimed to equip 12 occupational therapists with innovative methods and practical tools enabling them to design personalized educational programs tailored to clients' real-world needs. Additionally, we sought to directly improve the social and independent living skills of 30 institutionalized adults, fostering their successful reintegration into society. Finally, we intended to strengthen the capacity of our partner organizations to provide integrated social-educational services, thus reducing social exclusion and promoting inclusive communities.
▶Activities
In the „Mind-up” project, we started with structured project management activities, ensuring smooth communication among partners, regular monitoring, quality assurance, and timely reporting.In the „Mind-up” project, we started by developing a comprehensive manual to enhance professional competencies of occupational therapists, covering topics such as coping strategies, social integration, sensory regulation, and independent living. Subsequently, we organized a practical four-day training session in Timisoara, where 12 occupational therapists from Romania and Italy actively participated in workshops and real-case exercises, exchanging experiences and methodologies. Following this, we created and piloted an innovative online training course for institutionalized adults, structured into six modules focusing on social skills, emotional self-regulation, vocational training, and independent living. To disseminate project results, we hosted two multiplier events—one in Romania and another in Italy—attended by mental health practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders, enabling extensive networking, exchange of good practices, and promotion of inclusive methodologies developed during the project.
▶Impact
The „Mind-up” project successfully delivered concrete outputs and valuable results, directly supporting professionals and adults facing mental health challenges. We produced a comprehensive methodological manual, which provides occupational therapists with practical approaches to support clients' social integration, coping skills, and independent living. Additionally, we trained 12 occupational therapists, significantly enhancing their professional competencies to better assist institutionalized adults. Another key outcome was our innovative online training course, which we piloted with 30 institutionalized adults; participants notably improved their social skills, self-regulation abilities, and preparedness for community reintegration. Finally, through two multiplier events organized in Romania and Italy, we successfully disseminated these outcomes, strengthening collaboration and awareness among mental health professionals, stakeholders, and policymakers across Europe.