Advanced Skills for Active Living

Background “Advanced Skills for Active Living” - ASAL is part of an overall strategy which utilizes physical exercise and sport activities in Mental Health. It builds on two relevant projects, “MENS”, which developed policy background and “EVENTS”, an EU Athletic Event. ASAL adds the training component to this strategy having as main goal to enhance and establish the involvement of Physical Education and Sport Science professionals in Mental Health Units, in Greece, Italy, Spain, Belgium & Czech Republic. Objectives •to identify good practices applied in the field and assess professionals’’ training needs•to develop a comprehensive specialized training course for Sports Science and Physical Activity professionals, to support people with psychiatric vulnerabilities•to train and equip the professionals with new knowledge, skills and important working experience through an internship in MH structures•to increase awareness on the need for specialized physical activity services for mental health patients. Implementation Main activities implemented:•Research on the connection of physical activity, exercise and sport for the prevention and improvement of people with mental disorders•Development of Training Course, consisting of 4 Modules, for professionals of Sport Science and Physical Activity•Vocational training and internship in MH Structures for professionals of Sport Science and Physical Activity •Management, evaluation and dissemination activities, including multiplier events. Achievements The project results are: •A research paper with up-to-date findings on physical activity, exercise and sport for the prevention and management of mental disorders•A specialized training course for Sports Science & Physical Activity professionals to support mental health patients•Sport Science & Physical Activity professionals equipped with new knowledge, skills and working experience.•Raised awareness on the importance of specialised physical activity services for mental health patients