Youth need not face distress alone but be supported by strong, interdisciplinary networks, as HealthyMinds project aims to foster. Successful opening conference on March 27 at the Nardò Municipal Theater in the historical center.
Deputy Mayor Maria Grazia Sodero warmly welcomed Chrysa Pierri (Project Officer) and Maristella Mantuano (Communication Officer) from the Joint Secretariat, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to this timely EU co-funded initiative offering tangible community support.
HealthyMinds addresses Gen Z youth mental health challenges (17+ years) through early diagnosis mechanisms, integrating innovative technology and services in primary and secondary prevention across Greece and Italy.
Ida Carolla, representing Nardò Municipality, moderated the event, introducing guests and highlighting the municipality of Nardò role within the project. All partners participated, presenting their organizations and relevant case studies. For the Lead Partner Hellenic Regulatory Body of Nurses (HRBN), Chrysa Giannioudi detailed the project, while Anagnostou present the case study “Prevention and Health Education in Schools in Crisis-Affected Areas (Attica-Central Macedonia)”, an HRBN 2014-2015 program reaching over 12,000 elementary students with first aid and health promotion training. The 6th Regional Health Authority of Greece (Partner 2), represented by Karakasi, showcased Health4EUkids, implemented against childhood obesity in Patras schools. Finally, Padre Gigi Movia ETS NGO presented “A Scuola per Mare”, a transformative 100-day sailing boat program for students in crisis.
Beyond partners, interventions included teacher and two classes from Galilei –Vanoni highschool, and Prof. Ingusci of University of Salento, sharing initial mental health mapping results among high school and university students (conducted for Nardò Municipality), foundational for project digital services. The drama therapy specialist Albanese explained the project “Mettere in Scena le Emozioni” in Nardò primary schools.
The agenda concluded with Dr. G. Carlino outlining Nardò Municipality’s upcoming activities: 18 webinars for educators, 18 for parents on early distress recognition, and 5 workshops for University of Salento students to raise awareness and actively engage them. Partners shared completed activities, next steps, and cross-border commitment.
