In this short interview for the MENTAL-CARE project, Mateo Gualdaroni (Mutual Support Agent) offers a powerful lived-experience perspective on what families truly need when supporting a loved one facing mental health challenges.

Mateo reminds us that behind every diagnosis there is a person and a story, and that families often carry intense emotions—fear, fatigue, guilt, hope—without having a safe place to express them. He explains why creating spaces for honest communication matters, so emotions don’t build up and later turn into conflict. He also shares how collaboration with professionals can be more effective when it includes family-focused and shared support moments, where progress is recognized and even small “victories” are celebrated.

Finally, Mateo reflects on what helps maintain a positive, cooperative relationship day to day: sincerity with tact, respect, and the humility to accept that we don’t always know what will happen next.

A thoughtful message for families, caregivers, professionals, and anyone who believes mental health recovery is stronger when we work together. 

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU. 

In this short video from the MENTAL-CARE project, Jose Luis Rico Prieto (Psychologist and AMAFE’s Director) shares practical reflections on how to better support people living with mental health challenges — and the families who walk alongside them.

He highlights how meaningful support starts with real listening, not quick answers, and why collaboration works best when it is grounded in respect for each person’s needs (service users, families, and professionals). Jose Luis also underlines the importance of self-care and sustainability for caregivers, so support can be maintained over time without burning out.

A clear and human message for caregivers, families, professionals, and anyone working toward recovery-oriented mental health support.

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU. 

In this short video from the MENTAL-CARE project, Marijana Bavcevic (Mental Health Peer Support Specialist) shares a clear, human message about what families need when supporting a loved one with mental health challenges.

Marijana emphasizes that support works best when professionals are warm, empathetic, and genuinely connected with families — not distant or purely clinical. She speaks about the value of building a respectful relationship between professionals and relatives, where families feel heard, included, and supported.

She also highlights what helps in practice: clear communication, professionals who can answer doubts and questions, and guidance that helps families understand the person’s situation and pathways to recovery. Small, practical help — and being treated with care — can make a big difference.

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU. 

What is the Erasmus+ project MENTAL-CARE about — and why does it matter?

In this short video, Jan Erik Leppänen, Coordinator of the MENTAL-CARE project on behalf of EUFAMI, introduces the initiative and its purpose: strengthening support for adults living with mental health conditions and the family members who care for them across Europe.

He explains the challenge many families face today: support can be fragmented, stigma remains strong, and communication between families and professionals is often difficult. MENTAL-CARE responds by promoting more effective collaboration and sharing innovative, practical approaches that can improve understanding, cooperation, and recovery-oriented support.

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU. 

In this short video from the MENTAL-CARE project, Slađana Štrkalj Ivezić (Psychiatrist) shares practical, compassionate guidance on how families and professionals can support recovery — while also protecting caregiver wellbeing.

She highlights that preventing caregiver burnout starts with clear, respectful communication: listening carefully, offering understandable information about the condition and treatment, and helping families build coping strategies. She also underlines the importance of stress management, connection, and self-care — including the right to meet your own needs without guilt.

Slađana also points to a small but powerful shift in communication: speaking with hope for recovery, empowering the person, and supporting shared recovery goals. Her message is clear: recovery is most effective when there is open communication and families are recognized as a key part of everyday support.

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU. 

In this short video from the MENTAL-CARE project, Mgr. Zuzana Kučerová from Péče o duševní zdraví, z.s. shares reflections from practice on how we can strengthen support for people living with mental health challenges — and for the families who stand beside them every day.

Her message focuses on the importance of practical, person-centred support, clear and respectful communication, and collaboration that includes families as partners rather than “observers.” The video highlights why trust, understanding, and continuity of support matter — especially when families are under pressure and searching for guidance.

A useful perspective for caregivers, professionals, community services, and anyone who wants mental health support to be more human, coordinated, and recovery-oriented.

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU. 

In this short video from the MENTAL-CARE Erasmus+ project, Alexia Camuñas Palacín (Psychiatrist) shares a clinician’s perspective on how we can better support people living with mental health conditions — and the family members and informal caregivers who support them every day.

Alexia highlights the importance of trust, clear communication, and collaboration between professionals, service users, and families. Her message reinforces a recovery-oriented approach where families are not left “on the outside”, but are supported with practical guidance, respectful dialogue, and realistic hope.

A valuable reflection for caregivers, professionals, and anyone working to improve mental health support in Europe.

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU. 

In this short video from the MENTAL-CARE project, Davorka Vukadin (family member, Croatia) shares a family perspective on what it means to support a loved one living with mental health challenges.

Davorka speaks about the everyday reality families face — the emotional weight, the uncertainty, and the need to feel included rather than left alone. Her message highlights what can make support more effective: respectful communication, clear information, and professionals who take time to listen and understand the family context. She also underlines the importance of practical guidance and emotional support for caregivers, so families can stay strong without reaching burnout.

A meaningful reflection for caregivers, professionals, and anyone who believes recovery is stronger when families are supported too.

This small-scale ERASMUS+ project is co-funded by the EU.