A Beacon of Prevention: Candelaria’s Commitment to Mental Well-being

The municipality of Candelaria, Tenerife, is emerging as a leader in proactive mental health support with the launch of the “FARO” project. this comprehensive initiative, backed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, focuses on early intervention, health education, and fostering resilience within the community.Mayor Mari Brito has expressed strong support for the project, aligning it with the Social Services Department’s emphasis on preventative measures and educational programs, particularly within schools.

Building on a Foundation of Success

Candelaria’s commitment to its youth is not new. The municipality has a history of triumphant educational initiatives, including the “interrupted-T” project, which reached over 900 students last year alone. The FARO project, supported by the Cabildo’s Education for Prevention Ministry, builds upon this foundation. In February and March alone, FARO engaged with 782 and 685 students, respectively, demonstrating its rapid and significant impact.

A multidisciplinary Approach to Holistic Health

The FARO project distinguishes itself through its multidisciplinary team, comprising psychologists, educators, social workers, and nutritionists. This diverse team, endorsed by the General Foundation of the university of La Laguna and supported by the Canarian Health Service, delivers targeted training across various community groups. This holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Pioneering Prevention: A New Standard for Mental Health

Juan Manuel Acosta, CEO of Education for the Prevention of the Cabildo de Tenerife, emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the FARO project.He states:

The FARO project is a pioneering and innovative initiative that is marking a before and after in the promotion of mental health.Through Faro, we are not only helping citizens to prevent mental health disorders and to promote healthy lifestyle habits, but we also act comprehensively: we detect risk situations, we intervene preventively and coordinatedly and refer to adequate services when necessary. This form of comprehensive and coordinated work is something innovative in the field of prevention, and in this we are betting firmly, convinced of its enormous positive impact. In addition, thanks to the municipal collaboration, Candelaria becomes one of the frist pilot municipalities to launch this experience, demonstrating its commitment to the well -being and health of its population.
Juan Manuel Acosta, CEO of Education for the Prevention of the Cabildo de Tenerife

This comprehensive strategy, encompassing early detection, preventative intervention, and coordinated referrals, sets a new standard for mental health initiatives. Candelaria’s early adoption of this project underscores its dedication to the health and well-being of its residents.

Empowering Students with Essential Life Skills

To date, the FARO project has conducted 102 training sessions at the municipality’s two secondary education institutes (IES Santa Ana and IES Punta Larga). Popular sessions include “Resilience and Stress Management,” “Social and Life Skills,” “Emotional and Sentimental Management,” “Conflict Management,” and “Self-Knowledge.” These sessions cater to students across various educational levels, including Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO), Baccalaureate programs, curricular diversification programs, and basic training programs.These skills are increasingly vital, with studies showing a rise in stress and anxiety among young people globally. For example, a recent study by the American Psychological Association highlights the significant impact of stress on teenagers’ mental health.

Addressing Critical Needs: Suicide Prevention Training for Educators

Recognizing the urgent need for suicide prevention strategies, the FARO project conducted specialized training for 61 teachers at IES Punta Larga in April. This proactive approach equips educators with the knowledge and skills to identify and support students at risk,addressing a critical gap in mental health support within schools. Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people worldwide, making preventative measures like this training essential.

Extending Support to Vulnerable Populations

The FARO project’s reach extends beyond schools, encompassing vulnerable groups within the community. Four “healthy eating” workshops have been conducted for beneficiaries of the Special Integral Recovery Center (CERI) and the “Antón Guanche” Senior Center, engaging 57 participants. Referrals from the municipality’s health center and local pharmacies further demonstrate the project’s integration within the broader healthcare system.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Families and building Resilience

Future initiatives include training sessions specifically designed for families within the municipality. The overarching goal of the FARO project is to cultivate emotional management skills, resilience, and stress resistance, ultimately reducing the risk of mental health problems and promoting healthy lifestyles throughout Candelaria.

centralized Coordination for Maximum Impact

The FARO project team operates from the Department of Social Services in Candelaria, ensuring centralized coordination and efficient implementation of all activities. This strategic placement facilitates collaboration and maximizes the project’s impact on the community.