Sailing Towards Recovery: Innovative Mental Health Initiative sets Course for Well-being
Table of Contents
A unique therapeutic program leverages maritime experience to foster mental health rehabilitation for young adults.
A Voyage of Change: The “Ponente wind” Project
In Ventimiglia, Italy, a groundbreaking initiative is charting a new course for mental health rehabilitation. The “Ponente Wind: Change of Course” project, unveiled at a conference held at the Forte dell’Annunziata, offers a distinctive therapeutic experience for young adults navigating mental health challenges.
Fourteen individuals, aged 19 to 25, from the Mental Health Center of Bordighera, are embarking on an immersive journey aboard the Brigantino, a vessel belonging to the Tender to Nave Italia Foundation. This voyage, scheduled from May 13th to 17th, will see them sailing from Portoferraio to Civitavecchia, engaging in a program designed to foster well-being and personal growth.
The core of this initiative lies in the “Nave Italia Method,” an experimental approach introduced in 2017. This method aims to provide a totally immersive opportunity, capable of promoting well-being and creating new therapeutic spaces.
It is specifically designed to support individuals facing cognitive disabilities, sensory deficits, genetic diseases, and various forms of psychological and social distress.
the effectiveness of the “Nave Italia Method” has been demonstrated over the years, with participants experiencing improvements in self-esteem, relational skills, and overall well-being. This approach aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of experiential therapy in mental health treatment. For example, studies have shown that outdoor behavioral healthcare programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates among juvenile offenders with mental health issues (as reported by the Outdoor behavioral Healthcare Council).
Countering Isolation and Stigma: A Multifaceted Approach
The Mental Health Center of Bordighera’s multidisciplinary team has meticulously crafted a rehabilitation pathway that extends beyond the five-day voyage, encompassing over a year of support. According to Svenja Carlone, manager and psychologist of the Mental Health Center of the Ventimigliese district, the experience of community life and navigation on the Brigantino presents vital opportunities to combat isolation and stigma, reduce problematic behaviors, and foster autonomy and well-being.
The ship, actually, offers a range of therapeutic components that allow operators to process customized treatment plans. Through individual, family and group therapy tools, psychological tests, pharmacological management, healthy nutrition and regular physical activity, each participant will have the opportunity to operate side by side – sailors, young people and operators, becoming an integral part of a single crew, without distinctions and experimenting with a new and stimulating context.
Svenja Carlone, manager and psychologist of the mental Health Center of the Ventimigliese district
This holistic approach integrates various therapeutic modalities, ensuring that each participant receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. The emphasis on community and shared responsibility aboard the ship creates a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and resilience.
Collaborative effort: A Network of Support
The “Ponente Wind – Change of course” project is a testament to the power of collaboration. It is a joint effort involving the ASL1 – Department of Mental Health and dependencies, the Tender to Nave Italia Foundation, the Lions District 108 IA3 association, and the GVM Care & Research group – Saint Charles Hospital. The ASL1 provides scientific coordination and project management,with a multidisciplinary team of professionals overseeing the initiative.
The project also benefits from the patronage of the Municipality of Ventimiglia and the Alfapp, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives. The Italian Red Cross is providing transportation for participants, and the Carabinieri Cites Imperia is contributing with educational activities.
Sailing Towards Inclusion: Innovative Mental Health Project Sets Sail in Ventimiglia
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A Voyage of Discovery: Mental Health Initiative Takes to the Seas
Ventimiglia is witnessing a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering inclusion and dismantling prejudices surrounding mental health. A unique educational and rehabilitative project, conducted aboard a sailing brigantine, offers participants the chance to cultivate new skills through immersive training. This innovative approach leverages the power of experiential learning to promote personal growth and social integration.
Project Leadership and Vision
The project’s core principles and operational details were presented by key figures, including:
- Marco Mollica: Director of the Mental Health and Dependencies Department
- Svenja Carlone & Debora Aricò: Managers and psychologists from the Ventimiglia Mental Health Center
- Elena Triveri: Professional educator
- claire Bernocchi: Therapist specializing in psychiatric rehabilitation
Their collective expertise has shaped a program designed to maximize the therapeutic benefits of maritime experience.
The five-day voyage is structured to provide a blend of leisure and collaborative problem-solving.Participants will actively contribute to the ship’s operations, engaging in tasks such as cleaning and meal preparation. This hands-on involvement is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
An experience of five days of boarding that will allow travel companions to spend moments of leisure but also opportunities for comparison to solve problems together. The boys, in fact, will participate in Corvè’s initiatives how to clean and prepare meals they will do therefore, active part of the crew.
Claire Bernocchi, therapist of psychiatric rehabilitation
Claire Bernocchi emphasizes the importance of active participation, stating that the boys… will do thus, active part of the crew.
This approach aims to empower individuals and promote a sense of belonging.
Post-Voyage Integration and Evaluation
Upon returning from the voyage, the project includes structured follow-up sessions to assess the lasting impact of the experience. Thes meetings will focus on how the voyage has influenced participants’ daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being.
In the end we will ask ourselves how the experience on Nave Italia positively engraved on the activities, relationships and roles of the person in his daily life? How did the experience on Nave Italia emotionally enriched those who lived the adventure on board? Upon returning, group meetings will be scheduled with the aim of verifying what we learned on the ship.
Claire Bernocchi,therapist of psychiatric rehabilitation
The goal is to understand how the unique challenges and triumphs experienced at sea translate into tangible improvements in their lives ashore.
Recognition and Gratitude
Several individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to the project, including:
- Vincenzo Benza: Lions governor of district 108ia3
- Alberto Sartori: Captain of the Cites-Imperia carabinieri nucleus
- ettore Guazzoni: President of the Red Cross Italy – Sanremo Committee
- Nicola Bergantino: Operational director of Saint Charles GVM Care & Research Srl
These key stakeholders received plaques in recognition of their support. T-shirts bearing the project logo were presented to the team embarking on the voyage.
Community Support and Concluding Remarks
The launch event was attended by various local associations, including Ventimiglia Commissioner Milena Raco and minority municipal councilor Alessandro Leuzzi, highlighting the community’s commitment to this initiative.
A significant step towards the inclusion and overcoming of prejudices… And educational and rehabilitative project, conducted on board a sailing brigantine under the guidance of a military crew, it offers users the opportunity to develop new skills through a training and inclusive experience.
Fabrizio polverini, social and health director of the ASL1
The meeting, moderated by Roberto Pecchinino, concluded with a short video presentation and a buffet provided by GVM Care & Research srl, fostering a sense of shared purpose and celebration.