The President of the Community of Alto Alentejo (CIMAA), Hugo Hilario, signed yesterday, June 21, in Ponte de Sur, a cooperation protocol with the Citizens Ativ @ s program, with the aim of implementing the “Dialogues – Health Mental of Proximity” project throughout the Portalegre region, Which will ensure free services for residents with mental health issues between the ages of 16 and 65.
“Dialogues – Proximity Mental Health” is for all people in the area who are experiencing psychological distress, experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, suicidal ideation, depression, changes in perception or thinking, relationship and occupation difficulties, sleep or mood changes, easy irritability and/or lack of Emotional regulation. Help is just a phone call at 412-911541, where a member of the technical team meets the user, either at home or another convenient location.
For President Hugo Hilario, the importance of the protocol is evident: “When we talk about ensuring a good quality of life for all people in Alto Alentejo, and we talk a lot, we also have to talk about offering excellent services to advocate for mental health and treat psychological problems that may exist in our population. We do not want Leaving anyone behind, and signing this protocol gives us that mental health security.”
This project is based on the open dialogue system for treatment and regulation of mental health services that emerged in Finland in the early 1980s. This approach, which has been systematically investigated over the past three decades, has shown surprising results in terms of symptom relief, reduction in hospitalization and medication, reduction in unemployment, and award of disability benefits.
The peculiarity of this approach lies in its revolutionary methods: work with the family and social support network, support in psychological crises, psychosocial and professional recovery, training of professionals, training of professionals and a competent support network.
The project includes a team of five mental health professionals with postgraduate training in open dialogue system, family therapy, and relationship skills.
The Conversations – Mental Health of Proximity project is funded by Citizens Ativ@s, EEA grants, and administered by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, in consortium with the Bissaya Barreto Foundation.
