The model of schools for health in Europe: startup of the IGEA network for the city of Palermo

The contribution analyses the process of creating of the IGEA network (Integrated Generativity Actors) inscribed in the framework of the Schools for Health in Europe (SHE network). This model moves from a focus on school context only (as single setting) to the integration of schools and their surrounding community services, sports clubs, hospitals, workplace, informal contexts (building integrated multi-setting approach) (SHE, 2019; Novara & Guidi, 2022). According to an eco-social approach in health promotion, actions at the school level should always be linked with actions in the local community (Laverack, 2020) in order to develop healthy cities that are inclusive, safe and resilient (WHO, 2016). That is the priority assumption of the European network of schools that promote health, which includes 43 European countries since 1992, as well as Italy. An agreement between ASP (Agency Healthcare Local) and the University of Palermo supports, technically and scientifically, the SHE network (called IGEA) of the metropolitan city of Palermo, in the process of building and starting up it. The aim is to implement a structured and systematic plan for the health, well-being and social capital development of all pupils and teaching and non-teaching staff. The partnership between ASP and University of Palermo had enable the realization of this plan trough different phases: 1. Information and sharing of specialist documentation and sources relating to the network of schools that promote health, according to the indications of the European model (SHE network manual and related annexes), disseminating concepts, terminology, assumptions, actions, values, goals and a common language. 2. Analysis of training needs, consisting in the design and implementation of an electronic form for the collection and analysis of preliminary information about the general orientation of schools interested in health issues. 3. Training aimed at school managers, with face-to-face and interactive work sessions, in order to stimulate their awareness of the global model of health, pursued by the SHE network. 4. Group work, composed of all school actors (students, managers, families, technical staff, local stakeholders), to investigate and develop the four components of the SHE Model (healthy school policy, school physical and social environments, community and services links, health personal skills). 5. Drafting of the health plan of each school from a health global perspective. Phases to become / remain a health promoting school will be illustrated and particularly the way in which the process had initiated, upscaled, sustained, and inspired in Palermo and in Sicily, bringing together 18 schools in a new network agreement capable to drive a bottom up decisional process about policy and actions promoting global health.