Centros de Bienestar (Wellbeing Spaces)

The “Centros de Bienestar” project is testing the effectiveness of physical and virtual safe spaces through short-term wellbeing hubs that provide support, information, and activities for young people’s mental health in schools, urban centers, and rural communities. A digital application will also offer virtual safe spaces. The physical and virtual hubs support youth 10 to 20 who have experienced violence, discrimination, addiction, or mental health challenges, as well as their parents and caregivers. These safe spaces help youth build coping skills, develop positive social connections, and access emotional support through support groups, workshops, a Psychological First Aid chat, and school mental health clubs.

Through these wellbeing spaces, Fundacion Salud Mental Ecuador aims to prevent mental health challenges among youth and foster a support network that encourages healthy relationships, better communication, and improved conflict resolution among youth, their peers, and families.