The EQUICARES Smart Health Lab (SHL) for the German pilot case, led by the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI) in Mannheim, brought together patients, family members, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to help shape more inclusive and accessible mental health solutions. By engaging the people who use and deliver care every day, the Mannheim SHL contributes to EQUICARES’ broader goal of identifying barriers to mental health access and co-developing more equitable care systems.

The warm-up event took place on 30 June, at the busy entrance area of the ZI, a location used daily by a large number of patients, family members, and healthcare providers. The team set up an information stand with a table, roll-up banners, flyers, and snacks to engage visitors.

The stand was well received, as over the course of the afternoon, several visitors stopped to learn more about EQUICARES and talk through their own experiences with mental health access. A mix of patients and healthcare providers took part in these conversations, some with a migration background, and many asked to be added to the EQUICARES newsletter to stay in the loop. The event helped establish initial contacts and supported the recruitment of participants for upcoming local activities and workshops in Mannheim.