Project PONTE receives support from BPI and Fundação 'la Caixa' to strengthen social inclusion

The Project PONTE – Transcultural Psychiatry Unit, an initiative by GAT, has been one of the awardees of the BPI and Fundação "la Caixa" Awards. The project aims to provide specialized mental health support for migrants and refugees in Portugal, promoting social inclusion through access to adequate healthcare.

Created to address the difficulties faced by migrant populations in accessing mental health services, PONTE offers free psychiatric and psychological support while respecting the cultural specificities and experiences of its users. The project's multidisciplinary team includes professionals in psychiatry, psychology, and intercultural mediation, ensuring a sensitive and tailored approach to different cultural and linguistic contexts.

The BPI Fundação "La Caixa" Solidarity Award allocates 5 million euros to projects from private non-profit institutions. The support granted to Project PONTE will help expand its reach, ensuring the continuity of consultations and the development of new methodologies that combine art and mental health as tools for expression, reconstruction, and integration. With this opportunity, GAT reaffirms its commitment to promoting health equity, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential care.

Mental health is a fundamental pillar for the integration and well-being of migrants and refugees, particularly for those who have experienced forced displacement, discrimination, or socioeconomic difficulties. PONTE works to reduce inequalities in accessing psychiatric care, providing a safe and inclusive space where each person can receive the necessary support to rebuild their life. For more information, visit the PONTE Project page.