“SASTIPE started with an official event and participation of Denitsa Sacheva and Assoc. Angel Kunchev”
On February 24, 2025 at the Hotel Rila, Rila. The official opening event of the SASTIPE project, aimed at improving the access of Roma communities to quality mental health services in Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, was organized by the Amalipe Center on 24 April, Sofia.
The event brought together key institutional representatives, health experts, Roma mediators and civil society organizations to discuss the main challenges and opportunities for improving mental health services among Roma communities. Among the official guests were Denitsa Sacheva, MP and former Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on People with Mental Illness, and Assoc. Angel Kunchev, Chief State Health Inspector, who stressed the importance of institutional support and the need for a sustainable mental health policy adapted to the specific needs of the Roma community.
Key highlights of the event:
In her speech, Denitsa Sacheva stressed that sustainable solutions to mental health problems in Roma communities require a long-term strategy integrated into national health policies. She noted the importance of Roma health mediators as a key factor in improving access to health services and stated the need for in-depth work to reduce stigma and improve institutional coordination.
Assoc. Angel Kunchev, Chief State Health Inspector, shared his personal support for the initiative, saying:
“The psyche is the most vulnerable part of a person. I congratulate you for starting to work on this topic because it is a dream of mine. The main problems we face when working with migrants are precisely mental difficulties. When the great measles pandemic started, the health mediators were there – they were able to reach the communities and limit the spread of the disease. The network of health mediators is doing a great job and they are making a huge effort. I am confident that the experience that the health and education mediators have will achieve great success.”
During the discussions, Roma mediators shared their experiences and the challenges they face in their work – mistrust of health institutions, lack of culturally sensitive services and the social stigma associated with mental health. Participants discussed opportunities to strengthen interaction between health professionals and community mediators, and to develop more effective and accessible services.
The SASTIPE project will work to raise awareness, train Roma mediators, develop innovative models of mental health support and advocate for better policies. The event laid the foundation for future collaboration between institutions, civil society organizations and Roma communities to ensure access to quality and culturally sensitive mental health services.
Keep an eye on our website for more information on future activities and initiatives within the SASTIPE project.
Information about the project can be found at the following link:
Project: Promoting Mental Health and Access to High-Quality Services for the Roma Community
“SASTIPE”: Improving access to mental health services for Roma people is financed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Project No. 101161273.