Throughout June 2026, Koç University (KU) organised a series of warm-up events and a co-creation workshop in Hatay, Türkiye, as part of the EQUICARES project and the development of the local Smart Health Lab (SHL).

The activities brought together health professionals, public institutions, civil society organisations, community representatives, educators, and local initiatives to discuss mental health and wellbeing needs in the region and explore opportunities for collaboration. Through eleven warm-up events, the KU team introduced the EQUICARES project and the SHL concept, gathered stakeholder perspectives, and invited organisations and community actors to become involved in the initiative.

Stakeholders engaged during this process included representatives from Mustafa Kemal University, the Hatay Provincial Health Directorate, women’s organisations, community-based initiatives, educational organisations, and NGOs active in post-earthquake recovery and community support. Discussions focused on local mental health challenges, potential areas for collaboration, and ways to ensure that the SHL responds to the needs and priorities of the Hatay community.

The engagement process culminated in a co-creation workshop held on 22 June 2026 in Umutkent Container Settlement, the temporary post-disaster housing communities in Turkey, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders from different sectors and backgrounds. Participants shared ideas about key elements of the future SHL, including its mission, stakeholder structure, planned activities, sustainability approach, and the role of the AI-based wellbeing assistant. During the workshop, participants also selected the local identity of the Hatay Smart Health Lab, naming it “Space for Mental Health and Wellbeing”. The name reflects the Lab’s commitment to fostering collaboration and supporting accessible, community-driven mental health and wellbeing solutions.

Overall, the events helped establish strong local partnerships, increase awareness of the project, and build a shared sense of ownership over the emerging SHL. The insights and recommendations gathered will   directly support the further development and implementation within the EQUICARES project.