Day of Health and Emotional Well-being and Celebration of Roma People on the Occasion of International Roma Day and World Health Day in Seville

Seville / Frankfurt, 14/04/2026: On April 14, the MentBox project (Modular Mental Health Toolbox) will hold a community day focused on health and emotional well-being in the Auditorio la Factoría Cultural, Polígono Sur, Seville, on the occasion of the International Day of the Roma People (April 8) and World Health Day (April 7). The event will bring together local organisations, health professionals, social entities and residents of the Polígono Sur neighbourhood to reflect on emotional well-being and the prevention of mental health problems from the perspective of Roma culture and pride.

MentBox is a project co-funded by the European Union led by the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD).  It aims to promote the implementation of good mental health practices across Europe, with a particular focus on communities with greater needs, adapting them to their social and cultural contexts. In Seville, the team from Virgen del Rocío University Hospital is working to develop and test one of these interventions in a real-life setting such as Polígono Sur. This work is being carried out through a co-creation process, promoting active listening and shared work with local associations and neighbourhood residents. As a result, the ‘Doing What Matters in Times of Stress’ intervention will be tested.

The project collaborates with organisations including Akherdi Association, Entreamigos Association, Fakali Association, ALALÁ Cultural Association, the Evangelical Church, Vencedores Cultural Association, among others, as well as with the Polígono Sur Health Commissioner and the support of Seville City Council. Together, they aim to identify the most effective tools, adapt them to the local context and evaluate their impact on the community. This event is the result of the close collaboration between the Mental Health Unit of Virgen del Rocío University Hospital and the participating organisations.

The conference, entitled "Sastipen Thaj Mestipen: Emotional Well-being and Community in the Polígono Sur", is open to the entire neighbourhood and will follow a dynamic format combining short talks by local associations with artistic performances. The programme highlights the value of Roma culture as a source of resilience, strength and community support.

During the day, key topics will be addressed. These include how Roma culture has traditionally resolved conflicts through dialogue and respect; and how mental health is cared for in everyday life through habits, routines and community support. The programme will also explore the impact of self-discrimination and internal barriers; as well as the resilience and strength that community ties, traditions and cultural resources provide when facing adversity.

The event, with free admission, will take place on April 14 from 5:00 p.m. in the Auditorio la Factoría Cultural.

More information is available at https://mentbox.eu/

Contact:

MentBox Communication and Dissemination Work Team
mentbox@uam.es

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.