Challenge
The Social Sustainability, Life Cycle and Community Department of the Barcelona Provincial Council commissioned a mental health assessment for the municipality of Olesa de Montserrat. The assessment was based on the approach proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which understands mental health as a continuum ranging from emotional well-being to severe mental disorders. This broad perspective is both theoretical and practical, as the resulting assessment is intended to identify areas where the municipality has the capacity to take action and exercise its administrative responsibilities.
Response
The Mental Health Assessment of Olesa de Montserrat was carried out over a seven-month period through five phases:
- Phase 1. A review of existing documentation, including reports, annual reports, and other available sources of information.
- Phase 2. Mapping and analysis of the mental health services and resources available to residents of Olesa de Montserrat, resulting in a comprehensive resource map.
- Phase 3. Interviews and focus groups with municipal staff, key local stakeholders, and different population groups. This phase provided valuable insights into the social determinants of mental health.
- Phase 4. Analysis of the information collected and preparation of the assessment report.
- Phase 5. A SWOT analysis identifying the municipality’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to mental health and emotional well-being, as well as the opportunities and threats that may influence future action.
