Connect – Integrated care for the mental health of young women in Winterthur (CONNECT)

The project delivers a publicly accessible, user-friendly website for the Winterthur region that systematically maps and links existing mental health promotion, early detection and health care services.

In addition, tailored training and information materials are developed to strengthen professionals’ mental health literacy and practical competencies. Interprofessional networking and training events foster sustainable collaboration among key stakeholders.

A sustainability concept ensures that the project outcomes remain in use and can be further developed beyond the project period.

Connect – better ways to mental health for young women in Winterthur

More and more young women are experiencing mental health issues but often encounter barriers to accessing the healthcare system in order to find appropriate support in a timely manner. At the same time, existing services are little known—both nationally and in the Winterthur region. There is a lack of clear, stringent guidelines on how to reach and support those affected from the first signs to finding the right help.

This is where Connect comes in: the project is developing an integrated care model that facilitates access to mental health care for young women, strengthens the early detection of mental health problems, and improves cooperation between key professional groups.

The project is participatory and community-oriented: young women and professionals from the fields of health promotion, prevention, and care are actively involved in shaping Connect. The most important activities include:

•    the joint development of a user-friendly website with regional and selected national services,

•    the creation of training and information material for professionals who are in contact with young women,

•    and the establishment and strengthening of sustainable interprofessional networks in the region.

Connect is scheduled to run for one year. In a final phase, targeted efforts will be made to ensure that the content, structures, and materials developed can continue to be used on an ongoing basis after the project has ended.