Faro hosts a session on mental health and suicide prevention

The session will take place on September 30th, at 2:30 pm, in the Auditorium of the ULS of Algarve (Faro Hospital), and is promoted as part of Suicide Prevention Month.

Ana Filipa Silva, a clinical and health psychologist and member of the Southern Regional Delegation of the Portuguese Order of Psychologists , is the guest speaker for the session, which aims to raise awareness of this public health issue and share support tools.

According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ), around 727,000 people commit suicide every year1 and, in Portugal, data from the Portuguese Order of Psychologists records at least three suicides per day.

"Suicide can be prevented with appropriate psychological treatment and investment in better public health services, more support lines and intervention programs," says Ricardo Valente Santos, psychologist and manager of the Espaço Saúde 360º Algarve 2.0 project.

According to the expert, the elderly and isolated population is particularly affected by feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, which increases the importance of initiatives like this: "We want to create a safe space for sharing, identify warning signs, and publicize the tools available to seek help."

Psychologist Ana Filipa Silva states that this "is a structural problem for the Portuguese Order of Psychologists, where prevention is the priority."

The initiative is free and open to the general public, but requires registration, which can be done by filling out the form, available here .

The "Health in Day" sessions aim to raise awareness among citizens about issues related to health promotion and disease prevention, through informal conversations that encourage the sharing of concerns and questions.

These meetings are attended by healthcare professionals and patient associations that belong to the Health in Dialogue Platform's network of associates.

About the 360º Algarve 2.0 Health Space project:

The Espaço Saúde 360º Algarve 2.0 project is a project promoted by the Health in Dialogue Platform , which runs until March 2028.

This social innovation initiative aims to promote health literacy and mental well-being among vulnerable elderly people in the Algarve region, through a set of activities encompassing four areas: health promotion and disease prevention; mental health promotion; support for navigation and referral within the system; and chronic disease management.

The project will take place in several municipalities in the Algarve region and has a vast network of local partners and a multidisciplinary team that will carry out the various planned activities.

Each citizen receives close and personalized support throughout their journey, and at the end, the impact of the intervention on their health literacy level and mental well-being is assessed.

The Espaço Saúde 360º Algarve 2.0 project is supported by the Algarve Regional Programme, Portugal 2030 and the European Union, by Alliance Healthcare, National Pharmacy Association (ANF), municipality of Faro, municipality of Loulé, municipality of Olhão, AGEAS Foundation and Plural.

Photo: Tara Winstead / Pexels.