On February 19–20, 2025, the University of Nicosia (UNIC) and the Institute of Development N. Charalambous (IoD) co-hosted the inaugural MindGuard kick-off meeting, marking the launch of a pioneering Erasmus+ initiative aimed at strengthening mental health awareness, prevention, and first aid across higher education institutions in Europe.

This two-day transnational partner meeting brought together experts from six leading European organizations to lay the foundation for the project’s development. The collaboration focuses on utilizing participatory methods and cutting-edge digital tools, including an innovative VR training platform, to equip students, faculty, and staff with the skills needed to promote mental well-being on campus.

Key themes highlighted during the meeting included the growing need for mental health support and awareness in universities, the potential of immersive technologies such as VR and XR for mental health training, the collaborative efforts of top European universities and organizations, and the essential role of students and educators in creating inclusive academic spaces.

By establishing a clear coordination structure, defining roles, and crafting a comprehensive dissemination strategy, the MindGuard project is set to make a lasting impact on university communities across Europe.

This launch event marks the first step in an ambitious journey to empower individuals and create healthier, more supportive learning environments. Stay tuned for more updates as MindGuard progresses toward its goal of transforming mental health practices in higher education.

Stay tuned for more innovative actions from the MindGuard Project!