HEARTS guide : a guide for the introduction of culturally sensitive and community-based mental health promotion in higher education

Abstract

The Higher Education Action Response for Trauma Support (HEARTS) is an Erasmus+ project (Project Number: 2023-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000158841) which sought to develop innovative methods and strategies for mental health promotion in higher education, focusing primarily on trauma prevention and support, with a particular interest in those belonging to minority groups.

The HEARTS project seeks to increase the quality of mental health promotion in higher education institutions, while addressing common needs and priorities. It also aims to promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups who are more susceptible to discrimination, exclusion and marginalisation, such as persons with disabilities, those from migrant backgrounds, those fleeing war, victims of violence, those facing gender inequalities, socio-economic difficulties and other potential sources of discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. It aims to help create inclusive learning environments in higher education institutions and inclusive spaces in the broader community, build capacity for transnational cooperation among higher education institutions in addressing mental mental health promotion and enable change among higher education communities through training and accessible resources that promote awareness and resilience-building in mental health.