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This webinar explored how research-based findings can move beyond academic circles to create real-world impact in stakeholder, industry and policy settings. As mental health research continues to grow across Europe, translating that knowledge into practice remains one of the field’s most pressing challenges.

On World Mental Health Day, PAOK BC partners with the European project MENTBEST to launch a public campaign in Thessaloniki under the motto “Blooming Together Without Depression.” The collaboration highlights the vital link between sports and mental health, aiming to reduce stigma and support well-being across all ages. Watch the TV press conference.

On World Mental Health Day, PAOK Basketball partnered with the European initiative MENTBEST to raise awareness about depression prevention and mental well-being in Thessaloniki. The collaboration highlights the powerful role of sports in promoting mental health and reducing social stigma across communities.

During a MENTBEST workshop, experts Gentiana Qirjako and Arlinda Cerga Pashoja urged journalists to report on mental health and suicide with accuracy, sensitivity, and respect. They shared ethical guidelines to reduce stigma and promote compassionate, evidence-based coverage.

Arlinda Cerga Pashoja and Gentiana Qirjako stress that unethical reporting on suicide can harm public mental health. They urge responsible journalism and highlight the European Alliance Against Depression’s four-level model for effective suicide prevention.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Andia Meksi highlighted Albania’s growing commitment to mental well-being, addressing stigma, youth vulnerability, and the need for continuous care. She emphasized training for doctors, school programs, workplace support, and the iFightDepression self-management tool.

Expert Gentiana Qirjako discusses mental health challenges among vulnerable groups, highlighting workplace impacts, burnout, and stigma in Albania. She also presents the Alliance Against Depression and MENTBEST initiatives that promote awareness, training, and community support for better mental health.

This webinar focused on how digital mental health solutions can reduce stigma among vulnerable populations. As Mental Health Awareness Day 2025 emphasized global solidarity and inclusion, this session aligned with this focus by exploring how technology can either reduce (or exacerbate) mental health stigma. The webinar explored how digital mental health solutions can challenge stigma among vulnerable populations in Europe.

Our researcher Gentiana Qirjako had the opportunity to present the Alliance Against Depression in Tirana during the conference “Lifestyle Conference – Lifestyle and Risk Reduction”, which took place on April 30 in Tirana and brought together professionals from various fields, including academia, healthcare, pharmacy, dentistry, nutrition, and public health.

‘From Research to Real-World Implementation: Challenges and Lessons learned in eHealth for Mental Well-being’ was the sister projects’ Joint Webinar held 13 May 2025 at 11:00-12:30 CET as part as the Mental Health Dialogues series, hosted by the IMPROVA project EU.