HEART

Healthcare Employee AI and VR-Assisted Resilience Training for Burnout Prevention

HEARTHealthcare Employee AI and VR-Assisted Resilience Training – supports care professionals in elderly and long-term care to recognize and manage stress and burnout early on. At its core is a digital training program that combines Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen mindfulness, resilience, and self-care in an engaging and effective way.

The immersive learning solution is aimed at care workers, VET learners in healthcare, and educational institutions seeking new, practical approaches to mental well-being in care professions.

What We’re Building

  • VR-Based Training:
    An interactive learning platform featuring guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and stress management scenarios in realistic virtual environments.
  • AI-Powered Avatar:
    A digital companion that guides users through the training, offers encouragement, and supports implementation in daily routines.
  • Educational Framework:
    A didactic concept for integrating XR technologies into vocational education and health promotion programs.
  • Pilot Testing:
    Real-world testing with care workers and learners in Austria and Germany, providing valuable feedback for refinement.

Project Fact

📅 Duration: 1 February 2025 – 30 April 2026

🌐 Website: www.vr-healthcare.eu

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vr-healthcare

Project Partners

EcoInnovate AI+

We empower Vocational Education and Training (VET) with AI-driven Product-to-Service competencies for a sustainable future.

EcoInnovate AI+ is an Erasmus+ project aimed at modernizing vocational education and training (VET) by integrating AI-powered Product-to-Service (P2S) systems. The goal is to equip learners with the skills they need for a sustainable, tech-driven future—including environmental awareness and entrepreneurial thinking.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Sustainability: Promoting reuse, repair, and recycling in line with circular economy principles.
  • Competitiveness: Innovative companies need skilled professionals with green and digital expertise.
  • Skills Development: Learners gain hands-on experience with digital tools, AI, and service-based business models.
  • Entrepreneurial Thinking: Creativity, innovation, and systems thinking are actively encouraged.

How It Works:

Learners work with interactive EduBots—AI-powered learning assistants—to explore real-world P2S strategies, build problem-solving skills, and develop competencies for the future job market.

Project Duration:

Start: February 1, 2025
End: April 30, 2026

Find us online:

🌐 ecoinnovate.eu
🔗 linkedin.com/company/ecoinnovate-ai

Project Partners:

  • thecritical (Lithuania) – Coordination, Product-to-Service content, curriculum and training
  • Hafelekar Consulting (Austria) – AI development for EduBots, methodology, curriculum and training

Guiding Symbols

A new approach to career guidance

The Guiding Symbols project aims to support career counselors in adult education by providing innovative methods for working with individuals facing complex life situations. Through the use of symbol-based tools, personal resources, competencies, and goals can be visualized and structured. The methodology is particularly suitable for adults with limited formal education, language barriers, or lack of access to conventional career guidance services.

Results:

  • Training for Career Counselors: Development and delivery of a practice-oriented training program for the application of symbol work in counseling settings.
  • Method Adaptation: Cultural and contextual adaptation of established symbol-based methods from Austria to the French context.
  • Digital Resources: Creation of digital training materials and tools to support long-term use in career guidance.
  • Pilot Implementation with Target Groups: Practical testing of the methods with real clients to evaluate usability and effectiveness.
  • Sustainable Implementation: Establishment of multiplier structures and open access to materials to ensure long-term availability and integration into professional practice.

Duration:

Start date: 1 November 2023
End date: 30 April 2025

Project Partners:

2nd Newsletter DigEnYou

Digital entrepreneurship for youth – Cooperation Partnerships in Youth

DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING MODULES:
Successfully created six modules focused on entrepreneurship and digital skills, including:

  • Core Entrepreneurship Competencies
  • Digital Entrepreneurship Competencies
  • Market Awareness and Business Strategies
  • Transversal Skills
  • Crowdfunding and Sustainability
  • Practical Applications and Expert Interviews

The LTTA (Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity) in Ankarawas one of the most important events in the field of educationwithin the project. This meeting, which took place between 7 – 9February 2024, was attended by practitioners from eachcountry and enabled testing of the training curricula developed
in the project.

MAIN TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING
MODULE 1: CORE ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETENCIES
The core competencies required for entrepreneurship andbusiness model creation and planning with Business ModelCanvas (BMC) were discussed.

MODULE 2: DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETENCIES
The importance of digital technologies in entrepreneurship wasemphasized, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital marketing strategies were discussed.

MODULE 3: MARKET AWARENESS AND BUSINESS AWARENESS
Entrepreneurs’ skills in market analysis, customer needs and business strategies to assess market opportunities were developed.

MODULE 4: TRANSVERSAL SKILLS
With skills such as effective communication, leadership and problem solving, entrepreneurs were aimed to be successful in the business world.

MODULE 5: CROWDFUNDING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Crowdfunding and social responsibility themes were covered, focusing on ensuring financial sustainability.

MODULE 6: PRACTICAL APPLICATION AND EXPERT INTERVIEW
Theoretical knowledge was put into practice and case studies helped entrepreneurs apply what they learned in the business world.

Inter-Partner Meeting in Greece (15 – 16 April 2024)

During this meeting in Athens, the project partners evaluated the pilot implementation methodology
developed under WP4. This meeting was an important step towards the implementation of the
digital entrepreneurship trainings for the project’s target group of young people.

MAIN TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING
PILOT IMPLEMENTATION METHODOLOGY
The pilots will be conducted by 15 trainers in each country. Practitioners will train young entrepreneurs and evaluate the effectiveness of the training modules with the data they collect during this process.
Each trainer will work with two young participants and present a case study at the end of the training.

ADAPTATION OF THE TRAINING CURRICULUM
The partners continued to work on adapting the training curriculum to the language and culture of each country. The training materials, which will be available in Turkish, Greek and German, have been reorganized to reach young entrepreneurs more effectively.

DIGITAL SKILLS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The importance of artificial intelligence, big data analytics and digital marketing strategies in digital
entrepreneurship was discussed. It was decided to include these skills in education programs so that young people can use digital technologies effectively.

Download: DigEnYou Newsletter 2 (EN)

Newsletter CareerBOT Chatbot Bas ed Career Guidance

Career BOT Project ResultsCareerBOT Methodology

Through research and interviews, the partners identified the needs of jobseekers, and developed the content of CareerBot and the project training for practitioners. Find a more detailed report on the methods and discoveries!

The CareerBOT Tool

Based on chatbot technologies, the CareerBOT provides easy access and user-friendly support for jobseekers finding job openings, requirements on skills, how to prepare for Job applications and information on future job and professional trends.

Blended CareerBOT Training

Blended CareerBOT Training to successfully use the CareerBOT in job counselling and further improve the digital skills of professional counsellors, the project includes a blended learning course to increase digital
competences, literacy, and techniques on how to integrate the CareerBOT.

Introduction

As career guidance practitioners, it is essential to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the field. In this newsletter, as a final summary of the CareerBOT tool and training methodology, validated by national training outcomes in Ireland, Austria, Spain and Greece, we explore the CareerBOT tool and how it can be leveraged to support individuals in making informed decisions about their careers, and help guidance practitioners save time so they can dedicate their efforts towards the meaningful interpersonal career development of their clients. The CareerBot tool training and methodology is designed to support practitioners in understanding how to use chatbot-based AI tools in the guidance process. The CareerBot training for practitioners offers context and resources on the evolving digital trends in employment as well as experiential-based learning strategies on how to effectively empower marginalised jobseeker to use digital tools to enhance their job searching strategies. The CareerBot website is an openly accessible educational resource that presents our practitioner training offering in a structured and digestible way with direct access to the tool and Tutorial video material.

Key Features of the BOT

Users can enter 7 different conversation flows depending on the information they are looking for, and has available information and language translations for Ireland, Spain, Austria, Germany and Greece.

  1. Demand for Jobs and Skills
  2. Info on Jobs and Skills
  3. Jobfinder
  4. CV Writing
  5. Cover Letter Writing
  6. Interview
  7. Contact Points

Additional Resources

The CareerBOT tool has a wide range of video tutorials to offer general tips on creating a CV, drafting a Cover Letter, and preparing for an interview. The CareerBOT partnership has a dedicated YouTube channel with developed guide material available in English, German, Spanish and Greek.

User Journeys

CareerBOT User journeys demonstrate how clients can use the tool to create a CV and prepare for job applications.

Showing:

  • How CareerBot can support jobseekers in completing tasks independently, freeing up faceto-face time for more important reflections.
  • The potential of the CareerBot tool and integrated into a guidance process.

How to Effectively Introduce the Bot to Clients

To maximise the benefits of the CareerBot tool, practitioners should familiarise themselves with each aspect of the Bot and plan how they can integrate it into their guidance sessions and follow-up activities. By leveraging the CareerBot’s capabilities, practitioners can streamline tasks and focus on more complex issues that require human interaction.

For example:

  1. Before using the CareerBot tool, practitioners can make a list of tasks that can be supported by the CareerBot and evaluate how they can start using the CareerBot with their clients to trial the completion of those tasks and see how the counselling process improves.
  2. Provide clients with concrete tasks to complete after the session, such as creating a CV, this can help save time during counselling sessions and allow for more in-depth discussions on interests, motivations, and job search strategies.
  3. Ensure a sustainable use of the CareerBot, by reflecting on how familiar clients are with the tool’s features and how autonomous they have become in using it. This requires concrete feedback from clients committed to using the CareerBot for job search, education and training opportunities, CV and interview preparation, and further research on labour market trends.

Key Considerations for Practitioners

When introducing the CareerBot tool to clients, practitioners should:

  • Assess individual needs and indicate the resources and services which might best meet them.
  • Be available for brief interventions to help them review what they have learned from these resources and services.
  • Be available for longer interviews for those who need them.

COMING SOON

Transfer Handbook for Organisational Development

All change happens on multiple levels. Through a transfer handbook, the project further informs organisations and institutions about how to improve job counselling as well as how to integrate the CareerBOT into their daily practices to increase successful job orientation.

Website

Download: CareerBOT 3rd Newsletter (EN)

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s)
only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the
European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Vol-Pecil Project



(Project number 2023-2-IT02-KA210-ADU-000178036)

Volunteers in Preventing Elderly and Chronical Illness Loneliness

VOPECIL Projektlogo

The VOL-PECIL project (VOLunteers in Preventing Elderly and Chronic Illness Loneliness) aims to empower volunteers and staff members in their efforts to alleviate loneliness among elderly and chronically ill individuals. By providing specialized training, resources, and digital tools, the project seeks to enhance the quality of care and support offered to these vulnerable groups.

Results

  • Specialized Training Program: Development of a 16-hour blended learning curriculum tailored for volunteers.
  • Digital Educational Resources: Creation and deployment of user-friendly digital tools to support volunteers.
  • Pilot Training Sessions: Conduct pilot sessions to refine training materials based on feedback.
  • Enhanced Communication and Support: Address communication challenges and provide comprehensive self-help guides.
  • Sustainable Implementation: Ensure long-term availability and accessibility of training materials and resources.

Duration:

  • Start Date: February 1, 2024
  • End Date: January 31, 2025

Website:

https://volpecil-project.eu

Project Partners:

Volontariato in Rete – Federazione Provinciale di Vicenza OdV (Italy)

Hafelekar Unternehmensberatung Schober GmbH (Austria)

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

EDU-Ment

Education in Mental Health for Nurses in Home and Residential Care

EDU-MENT enhances the ability of nursing professionals to early detect and manage mental health issues through a specialized, blended-learning certificate course (5 ECTS credits).

Project Outcomes

  • Analysis of Caregiver Requirements and Needs: Comprehensive analysis of the requirements and needs of nursing professionals for early identification, monitoring, and management of clients with mental health issues.
  • Development and Evaluation of Screening Tools: Development, testing, digitalization, and evaluation of screening tools to identify mental health issues.
  • Development of Competency-Based Training: Creation of a blended-learning training program in mental health specifically designed for nurses in home care and residential facilities.
  • Organizational Development Concept: Development of a concept for the sustainable implementation of digital screening tools in nursing facilities.

Project Duration

October 2023 to September 2026

Project Partners

  • UMIT TIROL (Austria) – Website
  • HAFELEKAR UNTERNEHMENSBERATUNG SCHOBER GMBH (Austria) – Website
  • UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS (Cyprus) – Website
  • AGECARE (CYPRUS) LTD (Cyprus) – Website
  • UNIVERZA V MARIBORU (Slovenia) – Website

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Digi-Ageing overcoming loneliness

“Loneliness in old age” is a societal phenomenon that still receives insufficientattention. However, the COVID-19 pandemichas clearly shown us that we need to pay muchmore attention to this issue. Older people were increasingly isolated in this situation: those in care facilities were isolated for their own protection, others had little contact with friends and family, or lived entirely on theirown.

Individuals who cared for older people often found themselves overwhelmed by the numerous challenges, including those in their own daily lives. This was especially true for family caregivers. As a society, we should better prepare for such scenarios and provide stronger support to those who dedicate themselves to the important task of care-giving.

Therefore, the international Digi-Ageing consortium developed a comprehensive concept between October 2020 and July 2023 to address these challenges and initiate appropriate measures to effectively counter act the phenomenon of “loneliness in old age”.

“LONELINESS AND THEFEELING OF BEING UNWANTED IS THE WORST POVERTY “

Attributed to Mother Teresa

A brief overview:

  • Loneliness is a negative feeling associatedwith a perceived gap between existing and desired relationships.
  • It should be distinguished from self-imposed isolation.
  • The effects of loneliness harm health and increase the risk of illness.
  • However, there are currently few tools for detection and prevention.
  • Training on this topic is rarely offered and care-giving family members are often left to fend for themselves.

The Digi-Ageing partnership has addressed these challenges and implemented these measures:

  • Research on loneliness in old age inEurope
  • Raising awareness of the issue
  • Establishment of networks and concrete recommendations
  • Development of digital tools for detection, prevention, and intervention
  • Providing strategies for those affected, caregivers and family members
  • Creation of a comprehensive trainingprogram for caregivers

“THE TOPIC OF LONELINESS MUST BE GIVEN MORE SPACE IN HEALTHCARE.”

Anna (Certified Health and Nursing Care Professional)

You can download the entire info brochure here …

Download Digi_Ageing_Brochure_EN (PDF)

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

StressLess Newsletter #4

Say NO! to digital stress. All results are available for free!

Digital stress is caused by the constant availability and use of digital technologies in the professional and private sphere. This can lead to mental and physical stress, such as exhaustion, difficulty concentrating and sleep disorders.

As part of the STRESS-LESS project, two measures were developed on the basis of a broad-based survey on the subject of digital stress, which enable employees to find out more about the topic, better understand the effects on their work and – above all – to learn strategies to improve their situation.

In the current newsletter you will find all information about this and all links to the results:

Download stressless_Newsletter 4 EN (PDF)

EJO4Youth

Effective Job Orientation for Youth

The EJO4Youth projects aims to improve job orientation for young people in Europe by providing youth workers and professionals with training and methodologies based on the Symbolwork approach. Thus, the project fosters the competences of youth workers to apply effective, motivating and impactful job orientation with interactive and engaging methods and practices. 

The project’s primary objective is to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds improve their vocational and professional skills by using a career counselling methodology based on Symbol Work. Various interventions will be implemented in order to assist young people in “designing” a roadmap for their career and educational paths. Moreover, young people will receive assistance that is relevant not only to the labour market, but also to increasing social inclusion and active citizenship, as well as reducing discrimination and obstacles in their lives.

Our main results are:

  • Blended Learning Approach and Accreditation: These guidelines will provide more information on the requirements and competences necessary for the implementation of the Symbol Work approach as well as on differences between participating countries.
  • Face-to-face Training Curriculum and Toolset: This curriculum includes more information on how to implement the Symbol Work approach and job orientation. The training is focused on improving the skills and competences of youth workers in Europe.
  • Distance Learning Course: Transferring the curriculum into an online format, allowing for professionals without direct access to the face-to-face training to improve their skills and competences online in an easy and user-friendly way.

Project duration

May 2022 till April 2024

Web

Website: www.ejo4youth.eu

Project Partners

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Turkish National Agency. Neither the European Union nor Turkish National Agency can be held responsible for them.