On 10th October 2025, in Prague, at the occasion of this year’s World Mental Health Day, experts, researchers, and stakeholders gathered to discuss how mental health can be supported through community, nature, and innovative care models.
The event explored key themes such as the relationship between mental health and cities, the RECETAS project on loneliness, and the growing role of “social prescribing », non-pharmacological interventions that complement traditional care.
Mental Health and Cities, New Approaches to Care
During the morning sessions, Petra Jelínková presented on environmental impacts on mental health, followed by Jill Litt, who discussed the aims and methods of RECETAS, creating social connections and nature-based activities as pathways to improved wellbeing.
The presentation then explored:
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The complexity of long-term care
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Trends in Social Prescribing – using structured, non-medical recommendations to support wellbeing
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Culture on Prescription, presented by Katarína Kalivodová
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Mental health of seniors, a growing focus as population aging accelerates
These discussions highlighted how community, culture, and preventive interventions can enhance quality of life and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.
Interactive Stakeholder Workshop
A workshop to ask “How to integrate Social Prescribing – structured recommendations for non-pharmacological interventions into the healthcare system in the Czech Republic?”
Key insights included:
- Education and media awareness are crucial for changing mindsets.
- Successful implementation requires coordination between ministries, insurance companies, and social sectors.
- Doctors’ willingness to adopt new approaches is fundamental.
- Local communities, libraries, associations, and even postal workers can play a role in promoting mental wellbeing.
- Technology—from AI tools to senior-friendly apps—can support prevention and access to care.
However, participants also noted challenges, including limited coordination, digital literacy gaps, lack of volunteers, and declining trust in non-profits.
Panel Discussion: The Path to Implementation
A panel featuring MUDr. Jana Venclová, doc. MUDr. Iva Holmerová, Ph.D., Mgr. Petra Jelínková, and workshop participants reflected on the results.
Discussions focused on responsibility in social prescribing, safety of interventions, and the need for certification of organizations involved.
Experts noted that while taboos around mental health are fading, the system still lacks structural integration of non-pharmacological approaches.
They also highlighted:
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The rising number of people with comorbidities and aging care professionals
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The preventive potential in dementia and Alzheimer’s care
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The societal importance of resilient, health-conscious cities
Connecting and Collaborating
The event concluded with appreciation for the opportunity to connect and exchange experiences among professionals across sectors.
The discussions underlined that improving mental health in modern societies requires collaboration between health, social, environmental, and cultural domains.
And how non-pharmacological, community-based approaches can play a transformative role.
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