Stepping stones

<< Background >>The project addressed a range of individual, organizational, local, and European needs. At the individual level, people facing mental health challenges need to understand the various paths to recovery with the necessary support and to build confidence in their recovery, which should be self-led. Organizationally, the four partners needed a comprehensive collection of tools and methods validated by both science and experience, tailored to the diverse needs of their users, especially in less recovery-oriented settings. Minte Forte, with a less developed recovery focus, needed a clear recovery model to integrate users into a larger recovery framework. Partners also shared the need for recovery training for staff, volunteers, and peers, so that the recovery efforts would be more unified. At the local level, recovery education for the general public and for various organizations and institutions was crucial, because the model is still not in the mainstream of mental health care, especially in Romania and Italy, where it is even less prominent. At a European level, the project aimed to broaden and solidify the recovery paradigm in mental health support services.<< Objectives >>The goal of the project was to increase the capacity of mental health organizations to provide recovery education. Its specific objectives were:Objective 1: To develop innovative tools to enhance mental health recovery education for adults. These tools included: a visual guide, educational videos, a workbook.The tools were to be made available in both digital and printable formats (for the visual guide and workbook) and designed for individual use or facilitated group sessions. They were meant to serve both individuals in recovery and their supporters. Objective 2: To support the active participation of adults with mental health challenges in creating and using recovery education tools.Objective 3: To promote the recovery model and tools among people with mental health challenges and their supporters.<< Implementation >>WP1: Management. We managed the project through an activity agreement, online kick-off meeting, monthly online meetings and in-person partners meetings in the Netherlands, Iceland, and Italy. We conducted financial management, regular monitoring and quality assurance, evaluation and reporting to ensure smooth implementation.WP2: Needs analysis. We conducted needs analysis through focus groups and piloting sessions for the visual guide, videos, and handbook. We gathered feedback, revised tools, and ensured alignment with user needs.WP3: Development of intellectual outputs. We developed innovative educational tools, including creating and designing the visual guide, scripting, recording, and editing educational videos, and writing and designing the handbook. Research and preparation informed the content, ensuring relevance and accessibility.WP4: Dissemination and exploitation of results. We published website and blog articles, as well as engaging social media content. We organized local multiplier events for community stakeholders and held online webinars in multiple languages. We delivered an international training course to equip mental health with competences for recovery education, using the tools we created. << Results >>The project achieved several key results aligned with its objectives. Three innovative educational tools were developed: a visual guide illustrating recovery principles with graphic metaphors, educational videos showcasing recovery concepts and real-life stories, and a workbook with exercises for reflection and planning. These tools were designed for both individual and group use, available in digital and printable formats, and translated into partner languages to ensure accessibility. The integration of the tools into the regular activities of the partners and of their collaborators started to happen succesfully during the project.Dissemination activities included local events in each partner country, four webinars (one in English), and an international training course in Romania with 24 participants, enhancing recovery education skills across borders.The co-creation process actively involved individuals with lived mental health experiences, which made it valuable and accounts for much of the quality of the tools and their relevance. Partners enhanced their expertise in recovery education, and developed stronger transnational collaborations. Awareness of the recovery model increased through articles, events, and social media.