Food, mental health and leisure for people with neurodegenerative diseases are the topics of the transnational course held at the Novotel hotel in Seville.
This training, called ‘Mind their health: Inclusion and Health Through Food‘, which was celebrated from 6 to 10 June, focused on aspects related especially to dysphagia; mental health regarding the creation of healthy environments, positive reinforcement of families…; and on the importance of social relations and leisure.
Twenty-four professionals working with people with disabilities, from Montecatini Terme, Italy (La Forza di Nemo), Varna, Bulgaria (Association of Young Psychologists of Bulgaria- AYPB) and Seville, Spain (COCEMFE Seville), have been trained in the subjects, with the interventions, in addition, of the acting government delegate Susana Cayuelas; and the member of the Professional Association of Architects guides, GAAndalucía, Rafael Ruiz.
The course also dealt with content such as psychological assistance to women during pregnancy; a categorisation of what is and is not ‘being a person with a disability’; early diagnosis as the best tool for the treatment of a person with mental illness, with relevant data such as the fact that assistance before birth and several months later reduces abandonment, abortion and postpartum depression by more than 80%.
In addition, the importance of working with families, friends and the social environment was underlined, because they have to be a positive reinforcement for the person with a disability, especially when it is acquired as a result of a sudden illness or an accident.
The European meeting included activities such as a historical tour of Seville, visiting the Mª Luisa Park, the Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer monument, the Plaza de España, etc., as well as a visit to the Real Alcázar.
The course is part of the ‘Mind Their Health‘ programme, funded by Erasmus+ of the European Union.
