Respectful Language – Dignified Relationships: Sensitive Communication about Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability in the Vilnius Social Services Sector

Implementation period 
September – December 2026

Funding source 
The Social Protection programme of the Social Services Division of Vilnius City Municipality Administration

Project aim 
The project aims to strengthen the accessibility and quality of human rights-based social services in Vilnius by enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of social care professionals in applying disability-sensitive, respectful and non-stigmatising communication principles when discussing mental health, mental health difficulties and psychosocial disability.

Planned results

• Practical guidance materials on language that is sensitive to mental health and psychosocial disability will be developed for social care professionals.
• Using the practical guidance materials developed as part of the project, training sessions will be organised for at least 100 social care professionals.
• The guidance materials will be distributed to at least 100 training participants and to at least a further 100 representatives of social services and institutions, NGOs and other relevant target groups in Vilnius.
• The project’s communication and dissemination activities will consistently emphasise that respectful language about mental health and psychosocial disability is not merely a matter of using appropriate terminology. It is an important component of the quality of social services, respect for human dignity, trust in support services, social inclusion, and the protection of human rights.

Project budget: € 12,140

Contract number: A291-2673_26_PSP