As part of the project “Regionalising of LGBTI inclusive psychosocial support and access to mental health services in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded by the European Union, two trainings have so far been held in the organization of the Sarajevo Open Centre, on the topic of the importance of care for the mental health of LGBTI persons and the provision of LGBTI inclusive psychosocial support and mental health services. The trainings were held in April and June in Mostar and Tuzla, and will be held in four more cities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Since the protection of mental health and general social well-being of LGBTI people is often surrounded by stigma and prejudice, it is necessary to raise awareness of LGBTI people themselves about the importance of maintaining well-being and mental health care and access to services in mental health systems.

The trainings were led by Amil Brković and Matej Vrebac from the Sarajevo Open Centre, who spoke about LGBTI identities and the basics of human rights of LGBTI persons in BiH, and psychologists and psychotherapists from these local areas, who spoke about mental health.

The goal of the project “Regionalising of LGBTI inclusive psychosocial support and access to mental health services in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is to create an environment in which LGBTI people will be encouraged and supported in accessing social protection and mental health systems that provide inclusive and sensitized services.

The project is implemented by Sarajevo Open Centre, and the project partner is the Wings of Hope Foundation from Sarajevo, which through its mental health program seeks to improve social inclusion and strengthen women, children, youth and other vulnerable groups, promoting and protecting human rights, mental health and support in education.

For information about upcoming trainings, follow the website, as well as the social networks of the Sarajevo Open Center. The trainings are intended primarily for LGBTI people.

For more information about the project, please contact:

Delila Hasanbegović Vukas, program coordinator at the Sarajevo Open Center

Phone: 033 551 000

E-mail: [email protected]