The project aimed to achieve three key objectives. First, it sought to raise awareness about the complex and often hidden challenges faced by family members caring for individuals with schizophrenia. This was addressed through the development of a multi-axial classification (map) of these problems, offering a structured view of the emotional, social, and practical burdens caregivers face. Second, the project aimed to increase the competence and confidence of core staff in partner family associations to use real-life stories as learning tools. This was achieved by creating a collection of easy-to-read family member case stories and accompanying guidelines for their use in educational and support contexts. Third, the project aimed to expand access to these resources by integrating the problem map and case stories into an interactive digital format. This resource promotes informal learning, encourages social inclusion, and can be freely used by family associations and caregivers across Europe.
The project was initiated to address the complex needs of family members caring for individuals with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. These caregivers face emotional, social, and financial burdens, often becoming isolated and excluded from educational opportunities due to the demanding nature of their roles. The project responds by developing accessible, practical learning tools (such as a multi-axial map of caregiver problems and a collection of real-life case stories) to raise awareness, promote social inclusion, and support meaning-making. It employs a "learning by doing" approach, directly involving family members and professionals in the creation of these tools, ensuring they are relevant and easy to use. The project also leverages transnational collaboration between Romanian and Austrian organizations, combining long-standing expertise with innovative approaches to care and education. By interlinking these resources in a digital format and providing guidelines for their use, the project supports informal learning and advocacy while creating sustainable benefits for thousands of family caregivers across Europe.