MELODIC
The MELODIC project aims to promote mental health and well-being among young adults (18–35 years old) living with cancer and their families through innovative interventions and the training of health care professionals.
The MELODIC project (project number: 101161023) is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland).
Project duration: 1 September 2024 – 31 August 2027
Total budget: €1.8 million euros
Consortium: 13 partners from 6 European countries
Objective
The main objective of MELODIC is to improve the mental health and well-being of young adults with cancer and their families by enhancing assessment, early identification, and effective, person-centred management of mental health needs during the first year after diagnosis.
The project will provide evidence on the support needs of young adults with cancer and their loved ones, as well as on the experiences of health care professionals in delivering care. In addition, MELODIC will develop and test an intervention combining group-based well-being activities in natural environments (social prescribing) with psychoeducational support.
2024 – Project launch & preparation
September 2024
- Official launch of the MELODIC project (Coordinator: Turku University of Applied Sciences).
- Organization of the management structure and coordination among partners.
October 2024
- On 31 October 2024, the project kick-off meeting was held at the Turku University of Applied Sciences facilities in Turku, with participation from all partners.
2024–2025 – Needs assessment (Completed Phase)
September 2024 – August 2025
- Conducting interviews and questionnaires to assess the mental health needs of young adults with cancer and healthcare professionals.
- Press release: Kapa3 Press Release
May 2025
- Completion of research and data collection for mental health support needs. Production of reports: Survey report, Interview Study, Needs Assessment.
- Kapa3 contribution:
Implementation and completion of research activities in Greece. Data collection, mapping educational needs of healthcare professionals. - Press release: Kapa3 Press Release call to action for Greece
2025–2026 – Educational Intervention for Healthcare Professionals (Ongoing Phase)
Structured training program aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in supporting the mental health of young adults with cancer and their families.
15–16 September 2025
- Partners meeting in Lisbon to prepare the educational program.
- Kapa3 participation in the conference and working discussions.
- Press release: Kapa3 participation in the Lisbon conference
March – December 2025
- Design of an educational program for healthcare professionals to reduce inequalities in mental health care.
- Kapa3 contribution:
- Writing and translating the first educational module and partial translation of training materials.
- Participation in working groups for curriculum co-design and assessment tools (questionnaires).
- Providing input in all stages of program development.
19–20 January 2026
- Partner’s meeting in Greece (Athens) continued the development of the educational framework and preparation for the next intervention phases.
- Press release: MELODIC Consortium met in Athens
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February – April 2026
- Implementation and evaluation of the pilot educational intervention in Greece and simultaneously in other participating countries (02/03/2026 – 24/04/2026)
- Kapa3 contribution:
- Participation in working groups for the final design of the educational intervention.
- Networking and recruitment of Greek healthcare professionals from different specialties to participate in the pilot training, ensuring an interdisciplinary approach.
- Monitoring and participation in the implementation of the educational intervention.
- Press Release: Launch of Free MELODIC Training Programme – Greece
International Symposium – Completion of Educational Program (24th April 2026)
- The educational program will conclude with an international symposium including networking of healthcare professionals, discussions with experts, and exchange of best practices for the implementation of psychosocial support in oncology care.
2026–2027 – Psychosocial Intervention for Young Adults & Caregivers (Preparation Phase)
Group-based intervention combining nature activities, psychoeducation, and online exercises to improve the mental health and quality of life of young adults and their caregivers.
Ongoing work
Kapa3 contribution:
- Participation in working groups for the intervention design.
- Contribution to the development of the Intervention Manual & study protocol.
- Input in designing effect and outcome measurement instruments for primary and secondary outcomes.
Next phase – Kapa3 involvement:
- Volunteer recruitment (young adults with cancer experience and their caregivers).
- Implementation of the intervention with partners and healthcare professionals actively involved in its delivery.
2026–2027 – Interventions and Evaluation (Next Phase)
The next phase includes:
- Intervention evaluation
- Preparation of recommendations and guidelines
2024–2027 – Communication & Dissemination (Continuous)
Throughout the project:
- Communication activities
- Online seminars (webinars)
- Policy dissemination and sustainability actions
- Kapa3 contribution: Press releases, social media promotion, networking with Greek organizations
Cancer Guidance Centre (Kapa3) - Greece
Contribution to research, activities, and dissemination of the project.
EVANGELI BISTA
Development & Operations / PhD(c), MBA, MSc, BSc
IFIYENIA-SOFIA ANASTASIOU
Communication & Project Support
DESPINA CHRYSOSTOMIDOU
Psychologist
GIANNIS KONTOGIORGIS
Psychologist
INAB/CERTH
The first Educational Module of the MELODIC pilot educational intervention was written, developed and translated with the valuable support of INAB/CERTH.
In partnership with
- Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland (Coordinator)
- University of Turku, Finland
- Southwest Finland Well-being Region, Finland
- European Cancer Organisation, Belgium
- University of West Attica, Greece
- Tartu Health Care College, Estonia
- Tartu Ulikooli Hospital Foundation, Estonia
- University of Galway, Ireland
- Cancer Care West Company Limited, Ireland
- Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, Portugal
- Fundatia Youth Cancer Europe, Romania
Ongoing
- Pilot Educational Intervention Implementation
Start of pilot training for healthcare professionals in Greece and Europe (February – April 2026).
Kapa3 participation in working groups, networking, and recruitment of Greek healthcare professionals for the pilot implementation.
Download the poster here
Upcoming
- International Symposium, 24/04/2026 – Educational Program Completion
Following the pilot training, the symposium will include networking of healthcare professionals, expert discussions, and exchange of best practices for psychosocial support in oncology care
Completed
- Ethics Committee Approval (University of Galway, REC) – 11 February 2026
The MELODIC II study received approval for the ethical conduct of interviews and the protection of participants’ personal data. - Consortium Meeting in Athens (19–20 January 2026)
Preparation of the educational framework and next interventions
Press release: “MELODIC Consortium met in Athens” - Lisbon Meeting & Educational Program Preparation (15–16 September 2025) Preparation of the educational program for healthcare professionals
Press release: “Kapa3 participation in the Lisbon conference” - Needs Assessment Completion (May 2025)
Data collection on the mental health support needs of young adults and their families
Reports produced: Survey report, Interview Study, Needs Assessment
You can also follow the latest MELODIC news on the official project website and on Linkedin.
Also, for publications, results, and other project outputs, please visit the official MELODIC materials page: MELODIC Materials