euPrevent Social Norms Approach, the Kick-off
February 7, 2019

In September 2018, 11 project partners from the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR) started the  project ‘euPrevent Social Norms Approach’ (euPrevent SNA). This project will last 3 years.
The ultimate goal of this Euroregional project is to limit harmful consumption behaviour such as alcohol, drug and medicines use among the target groups young people and people aged over 55.

The Kick-off

The official kick-off for the euPrevent SNA project was given on Thursday 31 January 2019. This well attended euregional kick-off congress was organized at the Gouvernement aan de Maas in Maastricht.

After a welcome with lunch it was time for the plenary program. The afternoon started with a welcome speech by Hildegard Schneider, Ltd. Regierungsmedizinaldirektorin, Government of the district of Cologne. Hans Dupont, manager at Mondriaan and lead partner in this project, introduced the project group and the project euPrevent SNA. He spoke about the similarities within the EMR and the importance of cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing in the field of addiction prevention. Interesting Keynote speakers took the floor; Professor Guido van Hal (University of Antwerp) explained the ‘Social Norms Approach’ and Rob Bovens (Coordinator Academic Collaborative Center of Addiction, Tranzo Tilburg University) talked about the theme “elderly and alcohol’.

“Working together on local level is needed”

The formal part concluded with a video message from Paul Blokhuis, State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport (NL). Hans Teunissen, deputy of the Province of Limburg (NL), gave the official starting signal for the euPrevent SNA project during his closing speech.

Because of the Euroregional character of the conference, interpreters provided direct translation into German, French or Dutch during the presentations.

What’s the Norm? Check it. Enjoy Life.

It was a lively and interactive afternoon with, besides the presentations, a quiz and the opportunity to network on the topics ‘Social Norms Approach’ and consumption behaviour in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.

Hans Dupont, lead partner of the euPrevent SNA project about  the Kick-off:
“It is great to see people from five different regions, with three different mother tongues, working together in a project like euPrevent SNA. It was a successful day, I am proud of our team.”

All information about this project can be found at euprevent.eu/sna
Click here for an overview of the presentations and an impression of the conference.

This project is supported by Interreg V-A Euregio Meuse-Rhine program.