The “VERTA!” programme is a programme for strengthening non-governmental organisations working in the field of human rights and financing their projects, developed and implemented by the Open Society Foundations of Lithuania and funded by the European Commission’s Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values Programme.

In 2024, the Centre for Psychosocial Activities „Nauja pradžia“ successfully completed the capacity building programme  „NVO Academy. Social Leaders Programme“ and received funding for the project “Acting in solidarity: in the context of psychosocial disability”.

The aim of the project is to contribute to the reduction of exclusion by increasing the accessibility of social and mental health services to people with psychosocial disabilities and their relatives, and to raise awareness about mental health in the society in order to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Planned main results:

1. 10 people of working age with psychosocial disabilities will acquire new skills and strengthen their communication, financial management, technology and work skills, which will facilitate their integration into the labour market.
2. 6 volunteers will provide information, counselling, mediation/representation services to at least 60 members of the Klaipeda community.
3. 10 participants with psychosocial disabilities and poverty will take part in a short-term psychological support group, which will strengthen their mental health.
4. Event: „Protecting my mental health“.

The project runs from June 2024 to May 2025.

Project budget: 30 000 eur.