Bridging Communities Across the South Adriatic is an Interreg VI-A IPA South Adriatic (Italy–Albania–Montenegro) project designed to innovate and strengthen inclusive mental health care in the region. Building on the legacy of the Basaglia Reform of 1978, the project addresses persistent territorial challenges such as unequal access to services, limited community integration, and enduring stigma surrounding mental illness. These issues continue to hinder the adoption of modern, community-based approaches across the South Adriatic area. The project’s overall objective is to develop and implement innovative and inclusive mental health care models that promote holistic wellbeing, social integration, and community resilience. By fostering cooperation among mental health professionals, cultural institutions, and civil society organizations, it aims to enhance public awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen community engagement—fully aligned with European priorities on inclusion and social innovation.
One of the important values added to this project is the integration of nature-based and art-integrated therapeutic approaches, such as:
- Outdoor therapy.
- Creative arts workshops.
- Eco-therapy initiatives.
These models recognize the strong connection between mental wellbeing, cultural expression, and the natural environment, opening up new avenues toward recovery and community connection. Through cross-border cooperation, the project will adapt and transfer successful practices between Italy, Albania, and Montenegro, establishing a robust network of professionals and organizations committed to inclusive care. This transnational exchange will generate shared solutions, enhance capacities, and promote a vision of mental health as a collective societal responsibility. By introducing new ideas, encouraging cultural participation, and strengthening the connection with the surrounding environment, the initiative helps communities approach mental health in a more open and supportive way.
Coordinator: MoHSP – Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Protection (LP)
Partners:
- MoHSP – Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Protection (LP) AL
- UNIFG – University of Foggia IT
- MAACK – Kalenarte IT
- UMT – University of Medicine Tirana AL
- EuRelGEIE – EuRelations EEIG IT
- Klub kulture – NVO “Culture club” ME
Total Project Budget: € 665.928,00
Programme: (Interreg VI-A) IPA South Adriatic Programme (Italy-Albania-Montenegro)
Project Duration: July 2025 - December 2027