Mental Health Matters: Strengthening VET and Social Assistance Capacities

2026-07-22

The Mental Health Matters (MHM) project strengthens Moldova’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system by integrating mental health education into the training of social assistants. Moldova faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals, underfunded services, and high stigma, leaving vulnerable youth without adequate support. The project directly addresses these challenges by equipping VET educators and students with evidence-based mental health competencies, ensuring that future social assistants can provide early intervention, community-based care, and trauma-informed support. MHM is structured into six interlinked Work Packages (WPs). It begins with a comprehensive needs assessment (WP2) to identify training gaps and best practices. Based on this, a specialized curriculum (WP3) will be developed, focusing on adolescent mental health, intervention strategies, and practical application. This training will be digitalized into a MOOC (WP4) with microcredentials to enhance accessibility and scalability. To ensure sustainability, VET educators will undergo capacity-building activities (WP5), including training of trainers, international study visits, and peer exchanges. Finally, the project will implement a targeted dissemination strategy (WP6) to integrate mental health into national VET policies and align Moldova with EU social inclusion and mental health priorities. Through innovative training, digital learning, and policy advocacy, MHM strengthens Moldova’s social assistance workforce, bridging the gap between education and mental health services, and improving long-term outcomes for vulnerable youth.

Cyprus, Moldova, Italy, Greece

2026-02-01