Call for Participation
Blended Intensive Program (BIP) on Flourishing: Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Faculty of Public Health „Prof. Tzecomir Vodenitcharov, MD, DSc”, Medical University – Sofia is pleased to announce the launch of a Blended Intensive Program (BIP) dedicated to exploring the critical importance of mental health, wellbeing, and the conditions that enable human flourishing.
The BIP will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria from the 20th to the 24th of April 2026
📌 Registration link:
BIP Sofia 2026 Registration Form: Flourishing: Mental Health and Wellbeing – Google Forms
https://forms.gle/2VMoa3HmB9iiP98H6
📖 Program Details:
- On-Site Activities: A 5-day intensive program hosted at the Faculty of Public Health.
- Virtual Component: One online preparatory meetings in March 2026 in line with BIP guidelines.
✅ Eligibility:
The program is open to students, faculty, and staff (maximum of 25 students) from at least three Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), facilitated through interinstitutional agreements.
🌱 Program Focus:
The BIP emphasizes „Flourishing”—understanding mental health and wellbeing not just as the absence of illness but as the presence of conditions for growth, resilience, and fulfilment.
Participants will explore:
- What is mental health?
- What is mental wellbeing?
- How can we create supportive environments for human flourishing?
- Why is it essential to lift the stigma around mental health?
- How can we foster safe, open spaces for dialogue and support?
- What is the role of universities in promoting and protecting mental health?
- How do we define vulnerable group? Actually what is a vulnerable group?
- Who are the most vulnerable groups?
- What kinds of support interventions are needed for vulnerable groups?
- How can we safeguard our mental health in the digital world?
- What are the most practical ways to calm our nervous system?
🎓 Methods and Pedagogical Approach:
- Lectures and seminars delivered by an interdisciplinary team of experts in psychology, psychiatry, public health, social sciences, computer sciences.
- Case studies illustrating challenges and solutions in promoting mental wellbeing across diverse contexts.
- Interactive workshops on resilience, stress management and self-care.
- Group projects developing strategies to promote flourishing in academic and workplace settings.
🎯 Expected Learning Outcomes:
Participants will:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health, mental wellbeing, and flourishing.
- Acquire tools to identify and reduce stigma associated with mental health.
- Develop practical strategies to foster safe, supportive spaces for dialogue.
- Explore evidence-based approaches to promoting resilience and wellbeing at individual and community levels.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and networking within the field of public health and mental health promotion.
- Engage in thematic hands-on workshops to improve their mental wellbeing in academic and professional environments.
🌍 Program Objectives:
- To raise awareness about contemporary mental health issues from a public health perspective.
- To empower students with knowledge and skills to promote mental health and wellbeing.
- To normalize mental health discussions and reduce stigma through open dialogue.
- To share best practices for creating flourishing environments in education, work, and society.
- To invest in future leaders who can prioritize wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable public health.
📝 Application Process:
Interested students are encouraged to apply promptly, as spaces are limited and participation will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
📌 Registration link:
BIP Sofia 2026 Registration Form: Flourishing: Mental Health and Wellbeing – Google Forms
📧 For further details and application procedures, please contact:
Elisaveta Petrova-Geretto – e.geretto@foz.mu-sofia.bg
✨ This program represents a unique hands-on opportunity for students to engage in critical conversations, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to building a culture of flourishing and wellbeing.
DUPĂ CE SUNTEȚI SELECTAȚI DE PARTENERI VEȚI TRIMITE DOSARUL CĂTRE BIROUL ERASMUS!
