Table of Contents
An inclusion project in Terralba: the green area curated by the Mental Health Center inaugurated
In the heart of Terralbaan initiative that combines sustainability and social inclusion has come to life with the inauguration of a new green area. This space, one of a kind, was designed and created by the young people of Mental Health Center of the city, a concrete example of how the union between communities and institutions can transform the territory.
The green area, located near the city park, is the result of long planning and commitment work by a group of young people coordinated by experts from the Centre. “The idea was born as a way to involve our users in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, but also active participation in community life,” explains the project manager, Giovanni Meliswho followed every stage of the creation. The inauguration, which took place in the presence of the mayor of Terralba, Francesco Pirassaw a great participation of citizens and local associations.
A model of rehabilitation through nature
The green area project is not limited to being a physical space, but represents a real journey of psychosocial rehabilitation. Through the care of plants, the creation of paths and the setting up of relaxation areas, the participants experienced a new way of working together, rediscovering the value of shared time and contact with nature.
“The nature it has an incredible regenerative power, and this project is proof of this,” underlines the psychologist Maria Grazia Serrawho actively collaborated on the process. The result is a welcoming and regenerating environment, open to all citizens, which enhances the contribution of people often excluded from the social fabric. In the future, the area will be the scene of workshops and initiatives aimed at raising awareness in the community on the issue of mental health and the importance of inclusion.
What are the main criteria for selecting participants for community mental health projects?
Great, welcome to the interview!
Giovanni Melis: Can you tell us more about the criteria used to select the participants for this project? How did you ensure that everyone felt included and valued during the entire process of creating the green area?
Maria Grazia Serra: Certainly, the selection criteria focused on including individuals who were ready and willing to participate in a group setting. The goal was to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone felt valued and respected. We worked closely with the mental health center to ensure that each participant had the support they needed to fully engage in the project. We also made sure to involve participants in various stages of the planning and design process to ensure that their voices were heard and that they felt a sense of ownership over the final product.
Giovanni Melis: Absolutely, we believe that including our users in activities that promote well-being and social inclusion is fundamental. The green area project has represented an opportunity to enhance their autonomy and self-esteem, allowing them to contribute to the transformation of the territory. In your opinion, what are the key benefits of this kind of initiative for mental health recovery and social inclusion?
Maria Grazia Serra: The benefits are multiple. By working together on a shared project, participants experienced a sense of belonging and purpose, which are essential for mental health recovery. The physical activity involved in caring for the plants and creating paths also helped them improve their physical health. Furthermore, the environment provided a natural setting for relaxation and stress reduction, promoting overall well-being. The social aspect was also crucial as it allowed participants to form new connections and collaborate with others, breaking down barriers and reducing stigmas associated with mental health. Lastly, the project highlighted the importance of community involvement and support in addressing mental health issues.
Giovanni Melis: That’s very interesting. As you mentioned, the green area will be used to raise awareness on mental health and importance of inclusion in the community. Can you share some upcoming initiatives or events that you are planning? How do you envision the role of this space in achieving these goals?
Maria Grazia Serra: We plan to organize workshops and events focused on various aspects of mental health and inclusion. For example, we could host workshops on mindfulness, stress management
