16/04/2026
ATTENTION - YOUNG PATIENTS INTERESTED IN OR ALREADY INVOLVED IN A PATIENT ORG.
The deadline to apply is 22nd April 2026 at 10am.
Dystonia Europe is a member of EPF (European Patients' Forum) who asks us to share the following information regarding training for young patients between 18 - 30 yrs old
The deadline to apply is 22nd April 2026 at 10am.
What is STYPA?
STYPA is an exciting and unique opportunity offering a tailored, high-quality training programme for young patients or representatives of young patients aged 18–30. The programme provides participants with the space to develop advocacy skills, build leadership capacity, and explore key healthcare topics affecting patients across Europe.
The STYPA 2026 training aims to:
• Strengthen understanding of health literacy and its importance for patient empowerment and equitable healthcare
• Build young advocates’ ability to recognise misinformation and communicate trustworthy health information
• Equip participants with practical advocacy, communication, and policy engagement skills
• Support young patient advocates in promoting accessible, inclusive, and patient-centred health information
• Encourage participants to engage in national and European health policy discussions and initiatives
By achieving these objectives, the training will empower young patient leaders to actively contribute to shaping more transparent, inclusive, and patient-centred healthcare systems.
When and where?
1. Introduction webinar – June 2026
2. Face-to-face training – Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July 2026 in Brussels, Belgium
3. Follow-up online workshops & Closing Celebration – September to October 2026
Please note that EPF will cover travel and accommodation costs for all accepted participants.
Who can apply?
Capacity: 25–30 participants
Age range: 18–30 years old
Participants are invited from European countries, particularly EU Member States and Western Balkan countries with EU candidate or potential candidate status.
The programme is open to:
Patients living with a chronic or lifelong condition who are affiliated with a patient organisation
Patients living with a chronic or lifelong condition who are not affiliated with a patient organisation
Employees or volunteers of patient organisations
The programme can sponsor one family member or carer per participant if needed.
Participants should ideally:
Have a strong level of English (C1 minimum)
Be passionate about patient rights and advocacy
Have a basic understanding of health policy or patient involvement
Be interested in learning new advocacy and communication skills
Be willing to share their knowledge within their communities and are willing to be part of a large patients’ rights movement
Be available for the entire duration of the training
Have valid travel documents
*EPF will strive to achieve a balanced representation of nationality, age, health condition, gender and social-economic background.
How to apply?
You can apply by completing the STYPA 2026 application form and submitting it before 22nd April at 10am. If you have any additional questions or issues with your application, please contact the EPF team at:
stypa@eu-patient.eu
Can’t apply?
Please share this opportunity widely within your network to help us reach the next generation of young patient advocates!