Crazy about the neighborhood

Solaris onlus is a volunteer association founded by family members of psychiatric patients to support their loved ones on their journey toward social reintegration. This perspective requires everyone involved—family members, volunteers, professionals, and patients—to think in a completely different way than what is commonly associated with “volunteering” and “mental illness.” The approach involves everyone participating on an equal footing, offering a chance to learn about and respect the many differences present. This journey supports others while simultaneously helping each participant in the project.

After an initial training phase with ongoing support from a tutor/trainer who provides useful tools to understand the new environment, and which will be determined in agreement with the partner, the participants will take part in the “Matti per il Quartiere” project. They will commit to a weekly shift of at least 4 hours for the 20 weeks of the two semesters. The activities, which will be carried out with the support of a tutor/trainer who can provide useful tools to understand the new context, will include:

• Participation in ongoing workshops (journalism, the healing garden, photography, and creative writing) involving patients, family members, volunteers, staff, and experts.
• Helping to update the Solaris website and Facebook page  
• Involving students in supporting individual users with their social activities. 

Volunteers will be supported by a contact person who, for each workshop, will address any issues that arise or suggest activities that “aspiring volunteers” can undertake. At the end of the volunteer program, each student will prepare a final report.

There is a maximum of 3 students.