On World Mental Health Day 2025, celebrated on 10 October, students enrolled in the Methods and Techniques of Mental Distress module of the SUPSI Bachelor Social Work and the Applied Psychology Competence Centre, together with the Cantonal sociopsychiatric organisation, Pro Mente Sana, Ingrado and Club '74, are joining the international campaign promoted by United for Global Mental Health and the World Health Organisation.
This year's theme is: 'Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies'.
The day aims to draw attention to the impact that catastrophic events – whether natural, environmental, social or conflict-related – can have on the psychological well-being of those directly involved and, indirectly, those exposed to them through the media.
For the occasion, the partners have chosen to use the metaphor of the fairy tale Rosaspina, which represents the sudden trauma and suspension of time that can follow crisis experiences. The “awakening” is interpreted as the result of the commitment of the social and community context to ensuring access to mental health services, particularly in emergency situations.
The proposed initiatives highlight how barriers to access can be geographical, economic, cultural or organisational in nature, and how it is essential to promote opportunities for inclusion, listening and support. In this sense, the collaboration between students, professionals and local associations aims to reaffirm the importance of a shared and participatory approach to promoting psychosocial well-being.