On 8 July 2026, the South-East European Research Centre (SEERC) organised the second EQUICARES warm-up event at the Municipality of Pavlo Mela, bringing together municipal representatives and professionals working with older adults and migrants. The meeting introduced the EQUICARES Smart Health Labs (SHLs) initiative and explored opportunities for collaboration at the local level.

The event aimed to engage key community actors, present the objectives of EQUICARES, and discuss the potential establishment of an additional Smart Health Lab within municipal facilities. Five representatives from the municipality, including the Deputy Mayor for Social Welfare and staff from relevant services, participated in an interactive discussion with the SEERC team.

During the session, SEERC presented key findings from the EQUICARES studies, alongside the objectives, planned activities and next steps of the Smart Health Lab approach. Participants exchanged views on local needs, available resources and possible ways to support the implementation of future activities.

The meeting strengthened links between EQUICARES and the Municipality of Pavlo Mela, laying the groundwork for continued cooperation during the co-creation process. Discussions also addressed practical considerations for hosting Smart Health Lab activities and highlighted the importance of drawing on local expertise to ensure that solutions are responsive to the needs of older adults, migrants and other vulnerable groups.

Through this event, SEERC further increased awareness of EQUICARES and reinforced the value of community partnerships in developing more inclusive and sustainable mental health services.