Barcelona Provincial Council works with municipalities and entities involved in mental health

The warning issued by the World Health Organization is clear: One in four people will suffer from some type of mental health problem in their lifetime. Mental disorders that can afflict us all – though they suffer from them in particular Social or economic vulnerabilities– for which we will need help. “La Marató” from TV3, this year dedicated to mental illness, is an opportunity to give insight and raise awareness about the unfavorable situations that many people suffer from.

Unwanted life situations (poverty, discrimination, loneliness…), traumatic experiences or uncertainty about the future end up affecting our health and plunging us into bouts of psychological distress, distress, depression or serious mental disorders. These attitudes have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 context, which has put many people at risk.

In the province of Barcelona, ​​which has a population of about 5.6 million, the Barcelona Provincial Council is deployed in coordination with other departments along with city councils and third sector entities. Programs of action to prevent and care for mental disorders and to improve the emotional well-being of these people and their environment. The aim is to ensure their quality of life and equal opportunity to leave no one behind and to avoid stigma and discrimination.

They are programs that address mental health holistically the entire life cycle. Young people, women, the elderly, people with disabilities and those who suffer from extreme poverty and vulnerability are the most affected groups.

The actions promoted by the county council include different areas and approaches: Caring for non-professional caregivers with the “Respir .” program” support healthcare professionals; legal advice; Promote healthy habits for prevention and Improve people’s emotional well-being; Promote the therapeutic benefits of cultural creativity, or employment promotion, to give some examples. For Luisa Moreh, Deputy District Equality and Social Sustainability at Diputación de Barcelona, ​​“Public administrations We must respond to the needs of people with mental health problems With methodologies, resources and tools, but we also have to influence the causes that cause them, with active preventive policies to avoid the vulnerabilities that give rise to them.

In the social field, he focuses on one of the main lines of the work of Diputación de Barcelona Financial support for social entities for mental health care, which provides care and direct observation of the affected people and their environment. Through the support program, projects are funded for more than 75 entities and federations in the governorate for those affected, the family and the community environment.

City councils also receive support from the Barcelona Provincial Council for Radiology and improve coordination between all municipal agents Involved in mental health. This support is specified in the formulation of a local business plan It aims to promote well-being, full participation, inclusion and accessibility of people in the life of the municipality. In this sense, in the past three years, support has been provided to eight municipalities in the province.

in the field of occupancy, the Labor technical office network He has been serving people diagnosed with a mental health disorder for 19 years and accompanying them in their entry and continuity in the labor market. During the first half of 2021, 1,500 people were served.

And in the field civilization, This fall, the Barcelona Provincial Council launched “civilization” It is a pilot program in twelve municipalities, with activities to extend the positive effects of theatre, music or art to older persons, 20% of whom suffer from some kind of mental or neurological disorder.

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All of these offers are worth common roadmap With municipalities and county entities, which have a strategic role in caring for people’s mental health. Among all of us, we must take care of mental health for a cohesive and inclusive society that guarantees the rights of all. Welcome to this year’s TV3 La Marató!