The project HealthyMinds aims to address the mental health challenges of Generation Z youth (17+) through a network of early diagnosis and intervention mechanisms, integrating technology and innovative services at the primary and secondary prevention levels. Due to the pandemic, several aggravating factors have intensified mental health issues among adolescents. These persistent conditions hinder the social inclusion of young people and place immense pressure on mental health systems, whose capacity is increasingly strained by surging demand.
The objective of the project is to create multi-level responses that combine research, awareness, education, informal support networks, and digital tools to reduce the incidence of mental health problems and promote inclusion and well-being among young people. HealthyMinds will foster cross-border cooperation between Greece and Italy, specifically in the regions of Western Greece, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, and the Province of Lecce in the Puglia region. These areas face similar challenges and share demographic and socioeconomic traits, making them ideal for a coordinated intervention. Thanks to the HealthyMinds project, a comprehensive action plan will be implemented across educational institutions and families, including: research in high schools and universities to identify emerging mental health issues; awareness-raising and training activities for teachers, parents, and students; creation of informal mental health support networks integrated with official services; and the launch of a digital platform providing remote counseling.
In addition, recognizing the strong connection between Gen Z and mobile technology, a trilingual serious game will be developed to help manage stress—one of the key contributors to youth mental health disorders. The project also addresses the psychological impacts of climate change, especially post-traumatic stress disorders, by training municipal social workers in affected areas. The initiative will be implemented over 24 months with a total budget of €1,367,153.44 and will involve four partners. On the Italian side, the Municipality of Nardo and the youth-focused NGO Padre Gigi Movia ETS will participate. From Greece, the Hellenic Regulatory Body of Nurses (HRBN) - 3rd Regional Section in Patras and the 6th Regional Health Authority will lead the efforts, ensuring the integration of health professionals and regional mental health services.
