Care for Mental Health | Invest in Social Rights
This week is European Mental Health Week 2025, and the theme this year is Care for Mental Health | Invest in Social Rights. Across Europe, our members’ projects are making a powerful impact by promoting mental well-being and reinforcing social support systems. Below is a look at just a few inspiring initiatives from several Eurodiaconia members that are creating safe spaces, fostering resilience, and empowering individuals through targeted support.
Germany
Organisation: Diakonie München und Oberbayern – Kinder, Jugend und Familie – KJF Lebensräume
Project Summary:
“Lebensräume” (“Life or LivingSpaces”) supports families in which at least one parent faces mental health challenges. Their counseling services focus on both children and parents, aiming to empower youth through therapeutic support and self-confidence building, while helping parents prevent further crises and strengthen their parenting capacity. The project’s core goal is to preserve family unity during challenging times.
Link: Kinder, Jugend und Familie – KJF Lebensräume
Organisation: Diakonie Herzogsägmühle gGmbH – Crisis Services Bavaria
Project Summary:
This initiative offers crisis support to adolescents and adults experiencing mental illness or addiction, as well as dual diagnoses. The Bavarian Crisis Services are available 365 days a year, providing a vital contact point for individuals in distress, their relatives, caregivers, medical professionals, and support organizations.
Link: Social Psychiatry, Addiction and Health: Herzogsägmühle
Denmark
Organisation: Kirken Skorshaer – Children’s Café
Project Summary:
The Children’s Café serves as a haven for young parents experiencing anxiety. It offers a nurturing space where they can participate in small tasks like preparing for weekly meals, easing anxiety through community and routine. Staff provide consistent, caring relationships that help detect and support individuals on difficult days.
Link: Read more about the Children’s Café
Norway
Organisation: Haraldsplass Samtalesenter
Project Summary:
This conversation centre welcomes individuals facing life’s more difficult moments. Professional support is offered through individual, couple, or group sessions. With no waiting time and no record-keeping, it provides an accessible, stigma-free environment. The centre also hosts courses for workplaces and organizations.
Link: Visit Haraldsplass Samtalesenter
Greece
Organisation: Apostoli – Mental Health Day Centre of Chios
Project Summary:
This centre offers psychosocial support to adults with mental health challenges, including migrants and members of the wider community. It serves not only as a place for therapy, but also as a hub for social connection, creativity, and empowerment for those seeking additional support.
Link: Visit Chios Mental Health Day Centre
Czech Republic
Organisation: Slezská Diakonie
Project Summary:
Through the development of two new therapeutic gardens, this project enhances the quality and accessibility of garden therapy for people using five different registered social services. These green spaces provide a calming environment for therapeutic and social support activities.
Link: Projects | Slezská Diakonie
Finland
Organisation: Diakonissalaitos – Helsinki Deaconess Foundation – VAMOS Program
Project Summary:
The VAMOS program assists young people aged 16–29 who are not in education, employment, or training. It provides tailored support to help them rediscover purpose, connect with society, and build confidence for future employment or studies.
Link: Finding happiness and purpose through the VAMOS programme – Eurodiaconia
Latvia
Organisation: Diakonija Latvia – Day Centre “Mēs” (“We”)
Project Summary:
Operating since 2014, this day center provides a range of services to adults, including social work support, group activities like Nordic walking and handicrafts, and cultural events. Services are free and available to individuals registered in Riga.
Link: Learn more about Day Centre Mēs
For a closer look at some of members’ work in the area of youth well-being, please see our 2023 publication “Eurodiaconia and the European Year of Youth“. See also Eurodiaconia’s Mental Health Inclusion campaign from 2023.
