The year 2025 marks a historic milestone for the Roma community, particularly in Spain, as it commemorates 600 years since their first documented arrival. Health inequalities, especially in the field of mental health, remain a pressing concern, as Roma individuals continue to face structural barriers and discrimination when seeking mental health care. To respond to these challenges, MentBox – The Modular Mental Health Toolbox aims to identify and consolidate the most effective practices for addressing depression, suicide, and psychological distress. In Spain, MentBox works closely with Roma communities in Polígono Sur, Seville, to identify, adapt and implement mental health tools that are both relevant and sustainable.
The 600 year anniversary is more than a celebration, it is a vital opportunity to honour the Roma people's rich history, vibrant culture, and invaluable contributions to the society. At the same time, it provides a platform to reflect on the enduring challenges they continue to face, and to intensify efforts toward inclusion, equity, and wellbeing.
In this spirit of recognition and action, we highlight MentBox – The Modular Mental Health Toolbox, an EU co-funded project led by the European Alliance Against Depression. By collaborating closely with ministries, civil society organizations, and local communities, these practices will be adapted to the specific contexts of EU Member States, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable groups, including the Roma population.
Health inequalities, especially in the field of mental health, remain a pressing concern, as Roma individuals continue to face structural barriers and discrimination when seeking mental health care. To respond to these challenges, MentBox promotes participatory, community-based approaches that ensure interventions are culturally appropriate and effectively address real-world needs.
We believe that this project is very important for the population of our neighbourhoods. We would like this collaboration to have a projection toward the future, beyond the specific results of the project, which I am sure will be extremely valuable in refining the understanding of the specific needs of the Roma population and, more broadly, of all residents in Polígono Sur.
Javier Peso, Head of the Health Area, Office of the Commissioner for Polígono Sur
One of the key events commemorating the 600th anniversary was the Roma Week 2025, which highlighted the urgent need to address the specific challenges faced by Roma, Sinti, and traveller communities across Europe, with a particular focus on mental health. This celebration served as a powerful reminder of the essential role that culturally sensitive, evidence-based mental health interventions play in achieving genuine equality. MentBox symbolically joined this celebration, standing in solidarity with these efforts and reaffirming the ongoing commitment to advancing accessible, adaptable, and inclusive mental health strategies for all.
For more information about MentBox, please visit the project website.
