-
The European project SAFER PATH has reached its exciting conclusion with a series of international and local events that reaffirm COCEMFE Sevilla’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of professionals in the social and healthcare sector.
The Provincial Federation of Associations of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities of Seville, led by our President Nieves Márquez Matallanes and board member Emilio Tortosa de los Reyes, took part in the final phase of the project, which unfolded over three key sessions held between Italy and Spain. These meetings showcased the results of an intense collaborative effort alongside our partners Consorzio Global Med Care (Italy) and Action Synergy (Greece).
International Closing Event in Italy
The final stage began in Italy with two consecutive meetings. On 29 September, the COCEMFE Sevilla team participated in the project’s last technical meeting in Lanciano. The session focused on analysing the achievements reached and planning the final dissemination actions, setting the stage for the major closing event.
The following day, 30 September, the town of Scerni hosted the project’s final multiplier event. Before an audience of 17 professionals from the sector, team leaders, and representatives of social organisations, the SAFER PATH project and its main outcome were officially presented: the Manual for the Prevention and Management of Burnout Syndrome.
During the event, our expert and board member Emilio Tortosa de los Reyes delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of mental health for professionals. Under the motto “Caring for those who care”, Tortosa highlighted that the wellbeing of teams “has a direct impact on the quality of service” received by service users. He affirmed that “self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity” and that “burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a reminder that we are human and need support.”
The manual was very well received, sparking a valuable dialogue about its strategies—particularly its innovative STOP approach, designed to provide care professionals with practical tools for self-management and prevention.
Local Commitment: Internal Seminar at COCEMFE Sevilla
This commitment to wellbeing was reflected in our own headquarters on Friday, 3 October, when COCEMFE Sevilla organised an internal seminar to present the manual and its valuable tools to our team.
More than a dissemination event, the session served to reaffirm the organisation’s management’s commitment to caring for the mental health of all staff members. It was a space for self-reflection, demonstrating our professionals’ deep interest in integrating these prevention and self-care strategies into their daily routines, strengthening our mission to humanise care from within.
In recent years, we have observed a concerning reality: an increasing number of professionals in this sector are suffering from what is known as occupational burnout syndrome.
This syndrome involves physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that affects not only those who experience it but also the quality of care provided.
Aware of this situation, COCEMFE Sevilla carried out a study with social and healthcare personnel, allowing us to collect real experiences, testimonies, and needs. As a result of this work, the manual we present today was born.
This manual is a practical resource designed to:
-
Identify the warning signs of burnout.
-
Offer self-care and prevention strategies.
-
Help create healthier work environments.
The SAFER PATH project comes to an end, but its legacy lives on. With this manual, we hope to help transform the way we understand care—starting by caring for those who care.
We invite all professionals and organisations interested to discover this valuable tool.
Download the full manual via this link or QR code:
