He spoke about it at the March for Mental Health in October. One of the association’s activities which aims not only at “the psychosocial rehabilitation” of people with mental problems and illnesses, but also at communicating with the local area and helping anyone experiencing a difficult time, is to provide an alternative to children suspended from school . Diana Gallo, president of the L’Alba association (in via delle Belle Torri 8,050 544211, [email protected]) explains that: “Students gain experience with us, also doing prevention because they talk to our operators, some are former patients”.
The age of hospitalized people has dropped.
“There are more and more young people. This is why we try to intercept them earlier. We have an agreement with the Santoni and Matteotti institutes in Pisa. The students who are suspended between the desks are sent to us to do so-called socially useful, solidarity work” .
The teachers told us that it works.
“A lot from our experience. I met some who wanted to leave school, but after this experience they didn’t do so and, in fact, they enrolled at university, we welcomed several of them.”
Why?
“When they are with us, within the system, in the end they open up more easily and so the inconveniences come out. But, when they help others, all their most beautiful sides also emerge. We do not have an educational approach, we are not the school even if we collaborate with the world of education, we give another point of view. We don’t ask children to be good at mathematics, but to support others and this always gives strength and self-esteem”.
And other relationships with the school world?
“We collaborate with Ipsar Matteotti and with the Carducci high school for
the school-work alternation with good paths: the students were present at the procession in which the young people of Pacinotti also participated”.
Same concept of rehabilitation also with prisoners.
“We have an agreement with the juvenile court of Florence and with the court of Pisa for public utility works. They often serve to meet up.”
An. Cas.
What specific programs does the L’Alba Association offer to support mental health awareness in the community?
Title: L’Alba Association’s Efforts Towards Mental Health Awareness and Rehabilitation
Interviewer: Welcome to World Today News. I’m pleased to speak with Diana Gallo, president of the L’Alba Association, and a representative from a local high school about the initiatives they have been taking to support mental health awareness and rehabilitation in the community.
Interview with Diana Gallo:
Interviewer: Hello, Ms. Gallo. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today about L’Alba Association’s efforts towards mental health awareness and rehabilitation. Could you tell us more about your association and what prompted you to start this organization?
Diana Gallo: Our association was founded in 1992 with the goal of supporting people with mental health issues and promoting their social inclusion. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to live a fulfilling life, regardless of their mental health status. We offer various activities, including support groups, therapy sessions, and alternative education programs, to help our members lead independent and satisfying lives.
Interviewer: You mentioned that one of the association’s initiatives is providing an alternative for children suspended from school. Could you expand on this program and how it helps both the students and the broader community?
Diana Gallo: We have seen an increasing number of young people struggling with mental health issues, and we believe that it is crucial to intervene early. When students are suspended from school, they often feel isolated and worthless. By giving them the opportunity to participate in socially useful activities such as volunteering or community service, we hope to provide them with a positive outlet for their energy and help them regain a sense of purpose. At the same time, they learn valuable skills and gain a new perspective on life, which can be incredibly beneficial for their own mental health.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to hear that teachers have reported positive results from this program. Could you share any specific success stories or anecdotes?
Diana Gallo: We have had many success stories over the years. Some students who were struggling with mental health issues felt lost and disengaged from society before they joined our program. Through their volunteer work, they found a sense of belonging
