Deputy head, Assoc. Prof. Vita Poštuvan, commented the new acquisition: “This collaboration will be particularly valuable for our centre as we are formalising carefully established and nurtured relationships with colleagues from the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD). Additionally, it will be an opportunity to enhance our efforts in the field of mental health strengthening. We are very pleased with this positive response.”

The MentBox project aims to bridge the gap between available mental health best practices and the ability of EU member states to implement them effectively. It seeks to identify and customize promising mental health interventions, particularly targeting depression, suicide, and non-clinical mental distress. Through the Modular Mental Health Toolbox (MH-Toolbox), the project will provide detailed guidance for implementation, incorporating evidence-based interventions from past and ongoing EU-funded projects. These interventions will be optimized and tailored to different EU member states through collaboration with Ministries, health professionals, patients, and minority communities. Patients and individuals with lived experience will also contribute to the intervention development as to ensure their appropriateness and acceptance.

Post-project, the MHToolbox will be hosted by the European Alliance Against Depression, providing ongoing support to EU member states.

The project is coordinated by EAAD, with partners including University of Primorska, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Fundación Pública Andaluza Investiga, and the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks AISBL.