Advancing Mental Health Support for Vulnerable Groups: MENTALITY’s Highlights at the 17th European Public Health Conference

Blog post by Vicky Bempi, Project Manager (Prolepsis Institute) and MENTALITY project partner.

At the 17th European Public Health Conference, taking place in Lisbon from the 13^th to the 15^th of November, the MENTALITY project aimed to raise awareness around its core mission: addressing and reducing mental health challenges Europe’s most vulnerable populations are facing, especially during crises. This conference is Europe’s largest gathering for public health, bringing together a wide array of stakeholders, from public health professionals and policymakers to researchers and NGO representatives. Being present among such a diverse audience created valuable opportunities for sharing MENTALITY’s goals and approach, connecting with other professionals, and expanding our network of support for mental health initiatives across Europe. The event allowed us to highlight the progress MENTALITY has made in supporting vulnerable groups and to stress the importance of integrating mental health into public health priorities across the EU. We shared insights into the pilot implementation of the four promising practices across five EU countries, discussing how each initiative is designed to address specific mental health needs among diverse groups—from migrants and children to healthcare workers and individuals with pre-existing mental health issues.

Throughout my conversations with other participants, I emphasized the project’s goals, progress, and potential impact. It was inspiring to witness the shared passion within the public health community for improving mental well-being as an essential part of public health. These interactions reaffirmed the relevance of MENTALITY’s mission and the importance of prioritising mental health support, especially for those most in need.

Working on the MENTALITY project as a project manager for the Prolepsis Institute and leading two work packages—WP3 on Evaluation and WP5 on Pilot Implementation—has been incredibly impactful for me, both professionally and personally. Professionally, this role has expanded my expertise in managing complex, multi-country initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable groups. Leading the evaluation framework has strengthened my skills in monitoring and impact assessment, while overseeing pilot implementations in Slovakia and Poland has offered key insights into adapting mental health strategies to fit the unique needs of different communities. Acting as an implementer of a promising practice in Greece has been particularly educational, allowing me to see firsthand the barriers and facilitators involved in such a project and providing valuable lessons for future initiatives. On a personal level, MENTALITY has been equally rewarding. It has raised my awareness of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and reinforced my commitment to advocate for mental health as a fundamental right. Seeing our work’s positive, early impacts has inspired me to support equitable mental health solutions further and work toward a more inclusive public health landscape across Europe.