ADVANCE moves to large-scale trials after successful feasibility studies
Over the past year, the ADVANCE project has successfully completed six feasibility studies across multiple European sites, demonstrating that its mental health interventions are both acceptable and engaging across diverse populations. Building on these promising results, all sites are now actively implementing large-scale randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and implementation study.
In Lithuania, a CBT-based chatbot (SIJA) for young people showed high engagement and satisfaction, with reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress sustained after three months. (Read: What does Sija look like?)
In Germany, the blended CliMACT intervention supported youth experiencing climate distress, with particularly strong benefits for those most affected and positive feedback on app-based tools such as breathing exercises and value-based actions. (Read: More about CLiMACT)
In the Netherlands, the MentaalFit programme, which combines digital support for employees and training for supervisors, was well received, with participants valuing both practical exercises and peer interaction in addressing workplace stress. (Follow: MentaalFit program on LinkedIn)
In Italy and Denmark, WHO’s Self-Help Plus and its digital adaptation proved feasible and impactful for people with a migration background, highlighting the effectiveness of simple, culturally adaptable stress-management tools. (Read: Intervention in Focus)
In Switzerland, SH+ and the Brain Gym interventions for older adults demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, with added benefits of improved social connection alongside mental health and cognitive support. On average, participants rated the program 4 out of 5 points and reported noticeable improvements in their well-being, mental fitness, stress management, and lifestyle. (Read: What does the training look like?)
These findings confirm the potential of scalable, low-intensity, and digitally supported interventions to improve mental health across Europe. Currently, these ADVANCE teams are rigorously testing effectiveness through RCTs and implementation studies to generate robust evidence for wider implementation. These wider studies will run until the end of 2026.