MENTOR Consortium Holds 2026 Meeting in Bilbao to Discuss Progress and Next Steps

Bilbao, Spain | September 29–30, 2026   Partners and stakeholders involved in the Joint Action Mental Health Together (JA MENTOR) gathered at the Palacio Euskalduna in Bilbao for their 2026 consortium meeting, hosted by Biosistemak. Marking two years of the initiative, the two-day meeting provided an opportunity to review progress, exchange practical knowledge, and plan the next stages of the project.

Day 1: Project Updates and Discussion

The meeting began with opening remarks from regional authorities and the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).

The first day focused on work package updates, interactive learning labs, and open discussion across key project areas:

Two Years of MENTOR: The project coordination team presented an overview of activities, administration, and progress made since the project’s launch.

Evaluation and Sustainability: Work package leaders outlined current evaluation measures and steps being taken to integrate sustainability into project activities and pilot actions.

Learning Labs: Interactive workshops allowed partners to discuss pilot implementations in detail and gather practical feedback from participating countries.

Day 2: AI Usage, Project Synergies, and Long-Term Planning

Day 2 turned toward practical tools, collaboration with other initiatives, and future planning:

Artificial Intelligence: A dedicated session covered practical and responsible ways to use AI within mental health projects and management.

Project Synergies: MENTOR partners met with representatives from related European health projects—including ABC, MinM, EASE-Y, and Mind the Mum—to share insights and identify areas for collaboration.

Sustainability Coordination Body: The afternoon featured a roundtable to launch the MENTOR Sustainability Coordination Body, which will help guide how project outcomes are maintained and integrated into national health systems over time.

Next Steps

The Bilbao meeting offered a clear overview of work completed so far and set the priorities for the coming months. Partners will now focus on advancing pilot activities, training modules, and upcoming deliverables across participating regions.