A Co-Creation Workshop was held in Strazhitsa under the EQUICARES project

On June 30, 2026, an introductory Co-Creation Workshop was held in the town of Strazhitsa to build “Meeting and Support Places” /Smart Health Labs/ – part of the EQUICARES project in Bulgaria, implemented in the municipalities of Strazhitsa and Pavlikeni, Veliko Tarnovo region. The meeting was organized by the Amalipe Center and aimed to present the idea of ​​creating accessible, close-to-people spaces for conversation, guidance and support.

During the meeting, the participants discussed when people need emotional and psychological support, why they often hesitate to seek it and what the main barriers are for them – shame, fear, lack of information, concern about other people’s opinions or distrust of institutions. Special attention was also paid to the myths about mental health, as well as the difference between different specialists – for example, a psychologist and a psychiatrist. This helped to overcome some of the initial prejudices through a conversation in understandable language.

One of the main topics of the discussion was access to support in small towns. Participants shared the feeling that people often believe that help can only be found in the regional town or in larger centers. The conversation showed that in the municipality of Strazhitsa there are also local resources – educational mediators, teachers, psychologists, doctors, local government representatives, close people and community leaders, who can be the first point of trust and guidance.

The facilitator’s insight from the meeting was clear: finding support in a small town is also possible, although many people still believe that such help is only available in the regional town; at the same time, concerns about the discretion of supporting professionals remain an important topic that needs to be overcome through trust and clear information.

During the workshop, a practical case study was also discussed, related to a woman who experiences severe fatigue, tension, insomnia and shame to share how she feels. Through this example, the participants discussed who she could turn to in Stražica and who could listen to her without judgment. Thus, the conversation moved from a general topic to specific solutions and real opportunities for support in the local community.

The meeting confirmed that awareness and timely support are key to overcoming the stigma associated with mental health. The role of local trusted persons – mediators, specialists and people from the community who can help a person in a difficult moment take the first step towards help was particularly important.

The Co-Creation Workshop in Stražica laid the foundation for the future construction of “Meeting and Support Places” – spaces where people can receive information, understanding and guidance in a close, human and discreet way. The meeting showed that change starts precisely from such conversations – when people speak openly, recognize local resources and begin to believe that support can be close to them.