Improving access to mental health services for Roma people

2026-07-22

SASTIPE aims to contribute to the promotion of mental health and improvement of the access of Roma people to high quality mental health services in Bulgaria, Romania and Greece. The project focuses on Roma people as they have specific needs and vulnerabilities, and will propose a targeted approach addressing their needs. For the implementation of this approach the project will involve Roma Health Mediators (RHM) and Mental Health Professionals (MHP), the cooperation of which is essential for effectively identifying, understanding and addressing the needs of this vulnerable group in accessing mental health support, combatting stigma and improving their quality of life. More specifically, the action will: 1. Enhance access of policy makers & health professionals to data on the types of mental health difficulties faced by Roma individuals 2. Capitalize on existing practices on good mental health and/or prevention of mental health problems 3. Improve the capacities of MHP in better understanding the complicated nature of mental health problems faced by Roma populations, and efficiently cooperating with RHM and health professionals that work in community centres and support structures for Roma 4. Improve the capacities of RHM on mental health issues, and how to liaise with mental health services and mental health units and actively cooperate with MHP 5. Enhance cooperation between Roma Health Mediators, health professionals that work in community centres and structures for Roma, and health professionals in the health system/services in supporting Roma with mental health issues 6. Improve access of Roma communities to innovative and personalized services in the management of mental health problems 7. Contribute to public (mental) health policy development/change so as to include/cater to the specific needs of Roma populations 8. Increase mental health awareness amongst Roma and contribute to changing their attitudes.

Romania

2025-10-15