CONTEXT The concept of mental health has progressed during the last decades. Currently, according to the World Health Organization, a good mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being. In the last years, diverse perspectives such as education have incorporated to this concept. In fact, the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (MHAP) 2013 – 2030 mentions the importance of providing “a comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health and social care services in community-based settings” and the need of basing the strategies and interventions on scientific evidence and/or best practices. During the last six years, Agora has implemented the Successful Educational Action of Dialogic Literary Gatherings (DLGs), to a new context: mental health services users, with the aim of supporting the rehabilitation process as well as the social inclusion of all the participants. The great results among participants in Barcelona pointed out an opportunity to transfer this activity and its benefits to other organizations in Europe. OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED 1. Social inclusion among adult mental health service users has been improved through the implementation of DLGs in Primary Health Care Centers of Barcelona, Netherlands, Greece, and Romania. 2. Participants’ basic skills, competencies, and overall well-being were increased. 3. A tool was developed to support the process of mental health advancement, facilitating access to further educational activities and opportunities for participants, thereby empowering them to pursue personal growth. 4. Compelling evidence was gathered demonstrating the positive impact and benefits of DLGs on mental health users, paving the way for a wider adoption and implementation in other centers and communities. 5. Professionals and volunteers were successfully trained to proficiently moderate DLGs with mental health users, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to facilitate meaningful dialogues. 6. Policy makers and stakeholders have been effectively informed about the critical role of Successful Educational Actions, such as DLGs, in supporting the mental health process and fostering social inclusion. PARTICIPANTS - Mental health users older than 18, especially those from vulnerable groups (low socioeconomic status, low level of education, unemployed, etc.) - Mental health and adult education professionals - Stakeholders and policy makers working in mental health and adult education PROJECT OUTPUTS OUTPUT 1: 4 Case studies about the implementation of DLGs and one scientific article about the impact and benefits of DLGs on mental health users. OUTPUT 2: MOOC course on how to implement DLGs with mental health users. METHODOLOGY The project used the dialogic learning methodology by implementing Dialogic Literary Gatherings. These were defined as one of the Successful Educational Actions within the framework of the INCLUD-ED project Strategies for inclusion and social cohesion in Europe from education (2006-2011), a study carried out by 15 European research institutions and focused on successful educational actions (SEAs) with evidence of their impact on academic achievement and social cohesion. RESULTS, IMPACT AND BENEFITS 1. Educational and instrumental skills have been improved, as well as better communication skills and critical thinking. 2. Participants’ self-confidence and self-esteem have increased and, therefore, their future expectations have improved. 3. More active participation in society and community activities has been achieved. 5. The number of organisations implementing SEAs like DLGs has increased. 6. Awareness has been raised among policy makers and relevant stakeholders about the importance of incorporating SEAs like DLGs to support mental health rehabilitation and social inclusion.
1. Contribute to the social inclusion of the adult users of mental health services. 2. Improve some of their basic skills and competences as well as the wellbeing. 3. Offer a tool to support the process of mental health care and promote access and transition to further educational activities and opportunities. 4. Obtain evidence of the impact and benefits of DLGs on mental health users in order to encourage other centers to implement them. 5. Train professionals and volunteers to act as moderators of the DLGs with mental health users. 6. Raise awareness between policy makers and stakeholders about the importance of including Successful Educational Actions, like DLGs, to support the mental health care process and promote social inclusion.
The concept of mental health has progressed during the last decades. According to the World Health Organization, good mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being. In the last few years, diverse perspectives such as education have incorporated this concept. In fact, the Mental Health Action Plan (MHAP) 2013 – 2023 mentions the importance of providing “a comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health and social care services in community-based settings” and the need of basing the strategies and interventions on scientific evidence and successful practices. During the years before the beginning of the Dialogic Minds project, Agora had applied a Successful Educational Action, Dialogic Literary Gatherings (DLGs), to a new context: mental health services users, with the aim of supporting the rehabilitation process as well as the social inclusion of all the participants. The great results among participants in Barcelona pointed to an opportunity to transfer this activity and its benefits to other organizations in Europe.