Category: Survivor support

MELODIC Online Symposium: completion of the pilot training phase and strengthening psychosocial cancer care

The European project MELODIC (Mental Health Support for Young Adults with Cancer), in which the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 participates, is being implemented through distinct development phases. The pilot training programme for healthcare professionals is one of its core components, and within this framework, the MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, taking place on 24 April 2026, marks the completion of this educational phase.

The MELODIC project framework

MELODIC is a European project co-funded by the European Union, aiming to strengthen the mental health of young adults living with cancer, as well as to support their families. Through the collaboration of universities, research institutions and healthcare organizations across Europe, the project develops training and support tools for healthcare professionals.

More information about the project and its progress is available on the official Kapa3 website, in the dedicated project section.

The pilot training programme

The pilot training programme focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in providing psychosocial support to young adults with cancer and their families.

As part of the programme, online sessions and contact lessons were delivered, aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and support the practical application of tools in everyday clinical practice.

MELODIC Online Symposium 2026

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, a two-hour event, brings together participants from all partner countries and includes:

  • opening presentations from the European Cancer Organisation and Youth Cancer Europe
  • an “experts by experience” panel, where individuals share their lived experience
  • a networking panel with healthcare professionals from participating countries
  • discussion on how training can be applied in clinical practice
  • a closing session by the project coordination team

From training to clinical practice

A key objective of the MELODIC training programme is to strengthen the psychosocial dimension of cancer care, with particular focus on young adults.

The exchange of experiences among healthcare professionals contributes to more holistic approaches to care and supports the integration of psychosocial support into daily clinical practice.

The role of Kapa3

Kapa3 actively participates in the European MELODIC consortium, contributing to the implementation of the training activities and the dissemination of results in Greece. Through this involvement, the connection between scientific knowledge and the support of cancer patients is further strengthened, promoting the development of practical approaches to psychosocial care.

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026 marks the transition from the pilot training phase to the next stage of utilizing its outcomes, reinforcing the link between education and real-world application in cancer care.

The Press Release here: PRESS-RELEASE-MELODIC SYMPOSIUM

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Launch of Free MELODIC Training Programme – Greece

We are pleased to announce the launch of the free eight-week online training programme implemented in Greece within the framework of the European project MELODIC, in which Kapa3 participates as one of 13 partner organisations from 6 European countries.

The programme is addressed to doctors, nurses, other health professionals, and social care professionals working in oncology.

MELODIC is an international collaboration aimed at strengthening mental health support for young adults with cancer and their families, promoting high-quality, holistic oncology care.

Through the programme, participants will have the opportunity to develop skills in:

  • Assessing mental health needs using validated and evidence-based tools

  • Supporting families and caregivers

  • Delivering high-quality psychosocial care

  • Interprofessional collaboration

  • Sustaining personal and professional wellbeing

The programme is divided into an asynchronous part (on the Moodle platform), which participants can complete at their own pace, and four contact lessons, constituting the synchronous part via Zoom. Upon completion, participants will receive 5 ECTS credits and a certificate of completion.

Sessions will take place from March to April 2026.

The contribution of health professionals is crucial for the accurate assessment of mental health needs of young adults with cancer and their families, as well as for delivering high-quality, person-centred care. The MELODIC programme strengthens their skills, promoting collaboration, responsibility, and sustainable professional practice in oncology.

For further information, please contact:
Ifiyenia Anastasiou
email: ifi.k3team@gmail.com | phone: 690.62.65.170

Continuing the Journey: Online Group Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition – Third Cycle with Kapa3 and the LB.H.Sc

Following the warm response to the second cycle of meetings (see the related article here ), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (LB.H.Sc), Department of Nursing University of Peloponnese are delighted to continue their collaboration with a third series of online group sessions for mental health and nutrition, dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind, designed for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

In this third cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two complementary sides of the same care.

The mental health sessions help participants recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The nutrition sessions explore how mindful and balanced eating can support the body, improve energy and mood, and become a meaningful act of self-care. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

  • Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.

  • Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.

  • Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.

  • Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.

  • Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.

  • Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.

  • Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

The meetings are held online, based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust. Consistent attendance helps build safety and confidence within the group.

To express your interest or join the first session of the third cycle (Saturday, February 28, 17:30–19:00): [Registration Link]

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3