Fundación Agustín Serrate

Foundation Agustín Serrate (FAS) is a nonprofit organization that was created in 2000 for the management of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services and integration into the community of people affected by severe mental illness. These services are part of the Public Network of Mental Health Services, which is coordinated with FAS for the care actions. Their programs were initiated in the area of Mental Health Huesca in 1990, accumulating more than 20 professional years of experience in the community.This experience has allowed the progressive development oriented to personal autonomy and independence of users through programs such as: individual and collective support in social, occupational and residential area.

The vulnerability and the stigma of users have determined the implementation of awareness and social inclusion programs as a key for the integration, through actions in the community. The result is that the foundation and especially their users feel themselves as citizens despite their difficulties and have increased their sense of being part of the community.

The main objective is to empower people, the methodology is based on their basic needs and improve the quality of life of people at risk of exclusion and that of their families.

FAS is based on an approach that operates on the basis of individual needs and interests. FAS thinks that it is from these needs that it makes sense the process of rehabilitation and empowerment. It uses programs and instruments tailored to different vital areas through a group methodology as a mean of socialization and inclusion; teamwork as a means of management with participatory , transparent and quality systems.
To achieve these objectives FAS has established contracts and agreements with public and private entities for the prevention, health care, rehabilitation, socio-professional integration and training. He has developed a volunteer program that increases the capacity of action of the FAS and its influence on society. Moreover, FAS is member of the network of Huesca of Associations of People with Disabilities (CADIS) and member of different networks at regional and national levels. FAS has an active contact with the most representative and innovative Mental Health Sector and disability professionals.

The approach of the needs and interests of people with severe mental illness has determined that since its inception FAS has conducted its activity through three main areas that have identified three main operational processes in which 208 people are attended (2014):

•Social Support Area: Arcadia Day Center -CdD
•Residential Area: Enabled floors and Home Care Service.
•Labor and Employment area: Labor Integration Center; the Special Employment Centre - Protected Work Company "Integración Laboral ARCADIA, SL" and accompaniment services to normal employment and Occupational training.

Now we are looking for collaborations with European partners in order to change experiences and good practices in the field of Youth, social inclusion, health, volunteerism, employment, training, etc.