S.P.E.A.K. - Safeguarding & Prevention through Early Detection, Activated Hubs, and Knowledge Networks

The S.P.E.A.K. project, submitted under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) under Priority 5 to strengthen integrated child protection systems, is coordinated by Cooperativa Sociale Benessere A R.L. ONLUS. Running for a duration of 24 months with a geographical focus spanning Italy and transnational European validation, the project addresses the urgent protection needs of minors facing bullying, cyberbullying, and social or emotional isolation. It specifically targets the fragmentation of existing early detection systems and multidisciplinary referral pathways that connect schools, families, social services, and health authorities. The existing Italian consortium brings together specialized partners such as Associazione Ariete APS ETS and AIS Seguimi in Naples, alongside Nadia Onlus OdV and Nadia Work Onlus Società Cooperativa Sociale in Verona, working alongside local institutional public authorities. To structure its implementation, the project is divided into five work packages: WP1 handles project management, governance, and safeguarding under the lead of Cooperativa Sociale Benessere; WP2 focuses on transnational needs assessment, mapping, and early detection protocol design; WP3 is dedicated to multidisciplinary capacity building and European standard training; WP4 covers local piloting, child participation, and the testing of safe spaces; and WP5 drives European dissemination, policy recommendations, and project sustainability. To complete its transnational consortium, S.P.E.A.K. is currently seeking two European partners from EU Member States outside Italy. These target entities include non-governmental organizations, research centers, academic institutions, or non-profit foundations with demonstrated expertise in child protection, anti-bullying prevention, research capabilities, and active involvement in European networks. Their main responsibilities will involve co-leading specific work packages, participating in methodological co-design and mutual learning, and contributing to European policy recommendations and evidence-based policy briefs.