2026 Skills Training for Young Patient Advocates (STYPA) - 10th Anniversary

Welcome to the EPF Skills Training for Young Patients Advocates (STYPA) application form.
Please read the information below before starting the application process.

The Course:

Topic of this year: Health Literacy, Empowering young patients to shape tomorrow’s healthcare

Health literacy is becoming increasingly important in today’s complex healthcare landscape. Patients are expected to navigate large amounts of information, understand treatment options, interpret digital health tools, and make informed decisions about their care. For young people living with chronic conditions, these challenges often begin early in life as they balance managing their health with school, work, and social life.

At the same time, the digitalisation of healthcare and the spread of misinformation online make it more important than ever to ensure that patients can identify reliable health information, interpret medical evidence, and communicate responsibly about health issues.

STYPA 2026 will equip young patient advocates with the skills to:

- Understand and interpret health information and research claims
- Recognise and respond to misinformation and disinformation
- Communicate health information clearly and responsibly
- Advocate for policies that strengthen health literacy in healthcare systems
- Promote equitable access to trustworthy health information across Europe


When and where?

Introduction webinar – June 2026
Face-to-face training – Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July 2026 in Brussels, Belgium
Follow-up online workshops & Closing Celebration – September to October 2026

*Please note that EPF will cover the travel and accommodation costs for all accepted participants.

Who should apply?
Applicants must be:

• Young Patient with a chronic and/or lifelong illness/condition who is not affiliated with a patient organisation,
• Young Patient with a chronic and/or lifelong illness/condition who is affiliated with a patient organisation,
• Young Employee or volunteer of a patient organisation,
• 18 – 30 years of age at the time of applying,
• Living in Europe and with valid travel documents.

Language:
Please, note that the entire training will be in English. To successfully take part in this training course, you must have a working knowledge of English (C1 or above, ideally)

Contacts:
If you have any additional questions or issues with your application, please contact EPF Staff at stypa@eu-patient.eu.

Best of luck!