The MINDFUL project, led by ASL Taranto and supported by partners including Fondazione Vanni Longo, Frodizo, and the Corfu University Hospital, aims to create and validate innovative healthcare and social inclusion models for vulnerable groups in the Greece-Italy cross-border region. It focuses on children with chronic and genetic diseases and elderly individuals with dementia— two groups particularly affected by limited healthcare access, social isolation, and a growing mental health burden, especially in rural areas.

By promoting cross-border cooperation and leveraging local expertise, MINDFUL seeks to enhance quality of life, autonomy, and social engagement for people with physical and cognitive challenges. Pilot actions include a recreational therapy centre for children in Maruggio (Italy) and an innovative dementia care model in Corfu (Greece). These pilots demonstrate how tailored, community-based care can support inclusion and well-being.

The project also addresses the sustainability of these models through a dedicated work package on social fundraising, coordinated by Co2gether. This ensures long-term impact by helping NGOs and stakeholders access future funding and embed successful practices in local systems. MINDFUL integrates assistive technologies, social prescribing, and open-space therapeutic activities into personalized mental health strategies. A cross-border knowledge base, evaluation framework, and open-access database will support replication. The project also delivers a toolkit and network to promote long-term collaboration and scalability.

Primary beneficiaries include children with neurodevelopmental disorders, elderly people with dementia, and their families. Secondary beneficiaries are healthcare providers, NGOs, and policymakers. MINDFUL contributes to EU goals of healthcare equity and resilience by addressing mental health service gaps with sustainable, transferable solutions.