On the 1st and 2nd of July 2025, Symplexis hosted the second interim meeting of the Steering Committee for the SASTIPE project – Improving access to mental health services for Roma with the participation of all partners from Bulgaria, Romania and Greece.
The SASTIPE project has the ambitious task of creating a sustainable model for improving mental health care among the Roma population by combining capacity building, individualised care plans, policy advocacy and an information campaign. In Athens, the partners discussed what has been achieved so far and planned the next steps to ensure that services are accessible, culturally appropriate and sustainable.
Among the main topics discussed were the progress made in creating national networks of Roma mediators and mental health professionals, the launch of an online platform for training and exchange of good practices, and the development of individualised community support plans. The results of studies and analyses were presented to serve as a basis for new models of care.
During the two-day meeting, priorities for the coming months were also outlined. Emphasis will be placed on promoting the ‘Roma Mental Health Network’, which brings together mental health experts and educational, health, and other mediators or experts working with the Roma community to facilitate access to culturally sensitive services in Roma communities. Training and information events will be held, and visibility will be enhanced through specialised publications, video materials and personal stories from Roma communities. Active work with the media, dissemination of information materials and organisation of advocacy meetings with institutions are also planned in order to create sustainable partnerships for change.
The meeting in Athens clearly showed that the partners remain committed to the common vision of SASTIPE — building a bridge between Roma communities and mental health services based on trust, cultural understanding and real solutions for a better quality of life. The Steering Committee confirmed that efforts will be made in the coming period to achieve the quantitative and qualitative goals set, including reaching 15,000 people, increasing engagement on social media and providing real support to people from Roma communities.
The next meeting of the partners is scheduled for early 2026, when further results and good practices will be reported, to be replicated in a European context.
Source: Amalipe
