The Executive Director of GAMIAN-Europe (GE) Nigel Olisa attended the kick-off meeting of the ALTHEA project on September 30th and October 1st, 2024, at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan.

ALTHEA, The EU-funded project, seeks to establish the Althea platform, an online resource that will screen for mental health conditions in cancer patients and their families, while equipping healthcare professionals with current educational content and the capability to deliver customized psychological care. It looks at creating integrated, community-based mental health services that significantly reduce stigma and improve patient outcomes.

GE’s role in this initiative is key, particularly in the areas of stakeholder profiling and mapping, ensuring that the voices and needs of patients are a primary focus throughout the project’s lifecycle. The project, among other objectives, looks at enhancing mental health care access for cancer patients and their families, an area where GE has been deeply involved.

GAMIAN-Europe has previously led efforts to highlight the comorbidity of cancer and depression, including a project in 2023 that produced a comprehensive report and an asocial media campaign. Building on this foundation, in 2024, they released a toolkit designed to aid patients dealing with both cancer and depression, providing practical resources and guidance to navigate these challenges.

During the ALTHEA project kick-off, the Executive Director contributed insights from these past initiatives, emphasising the necessity of continuous patient and caregiver engagement. This includes plans for virtual Stakeholder Fora and the development of patient-centered communication materials, ensuring that the project’s outcomes resonate with and effectively support the intended beneficiaries.

The project also includes a robust communication and dissemination strategy, in which GE is involved, targeting a broad audience to maximize the impact of its findings and recommendations.

For more information on GAMIAN-Europe’s ongoing projects and initiatives, please follow its social media LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.