Job Shadowing - Rome 22-26.06.2026

From 22 to 26 June 2026, a delegation from EPIONI travelled to Rome to meet several Italian organisations working in the fields of disability, mental health and caregiver support. Here's a look back at five days of insights and emerging collaborations.

22 June – The District of ASL Roma 2

The visit opened with an in-depth look at the District, the territorial branch of the local Health Authority, led by Dr Tatiana Fabbri. The District plays a pivotal role: it both commissions and delivers social and healthcare services, coordinates territorial and hospital departments, and works with the Municipality on the local welfare action plan. Its goal is to ensure continuity of care while limiting over-reliance on private providers.

23 June – Progetto Itaca and the Rome Clubhouse

The day was dedicated to Progetto Itaca, a partner organisation of ASL Roma 1, and its Clubhouse — the only one of its kind in the Lazio region. The Clubhouse model was presented in detail: a non-clinical day space, funded entirely through private donations, where "members" (not patients) come and go freely, supported by a small staff acting more as coordinators than clinicians.

Discussions also covered caregiver programmes, including Family to Family (based on the NAMI model), and In the Silence, a school-based programme aimed at de-stigmatising mental health among young people.

The day also looked ahead: a new joint Erasmus+ project (Italy, Greece, Belgium) is being considered, with the application planned to be submitted through Belgium ahead of the 2027 deadline. A representative from the Cretan autism association also presented her organisation's work with schools and hospitals in Crete, opening up potential areas of synergy.

24 June – The Consultorio al Quadraro

The visit to the Consultorio highlighted a best-practice model developed with the municipality's gynaecology-disability service, supporting women with disabilities through pregnancy and the first year of their child's life. A group dedicated to the siblings of these women was also presented, raising a broader reflection on siblings as caregivers.

The day also revisited the Cretan school programme (a 34-card exercise fostering empathy around difference) and explored future project ideas: fathers and partners of women with disabilities, the question of what happens to care recipients after their parents pass away, and the growing co-housing solutions emerging in Italy.

25 June – Fondazione di Liegro

At the Fondazione di Liegro, discussions focused on the collaboration with a municipal theatre for their annual event, illustrating the connection between culture, art and social inclusion.

26 June – Job Shadowing at ACROSS

The week concluded with a day of job shadowing at ACROSS, giving the delegation a first-hand look at the daily work of a partner organisation.

This week in Rome allowed EPIONI to deepen its understanding of the Clubhouse model, strengthen ties with several Italian organisations, and lay the groundwork for a future Erasmus+ project bringing together Italy, Greece and Belgium.