Monaco Launches Water Safety Initiative and Innovative Mobile Mental Health Services for Youth
Efforts include drowning prevention for children at a rugby tournament and the introduction of a mobile mental health service for isolated communities.
In advance of the Sainte-Dévote rugby tournament slated for April 24, 2025, a dedicated morning focused on drowning prevention was held at the Louis II stadium pool in Monaco.
The initiative, named 'Water Safety', targeted children participating in the tournament, involving over 108 young participants from nine of the 24 tournament teams.
Activities included water polo, aquatic obstacle courses, lifeguarding exercises, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Outside of the pool, three workshops were conducted by the Red Cross of Monaco, the Monaco Anti-Doping Committee, and the Monaco Olympic Committee.
The event was organized by the Princess Charlène Foundation, which emphasizes safety awareness as the summer swimming season approaches.
In a parallel initiative, the Université Pédiatrique Hospital Lenval has introduced the Psychobus, a mobile unit designed to provide mental health services to children and adolescents in isolated valleys such as the Bévera, Roya, and Paillon.
This initiative is particularly aimed at addressing access to psychiatric care in regions significantly affected by the aftermath of Storm Alex and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project has been fully funded by the Monegasque association Les Enfants de Frankie, which has allocated €82,761.75 for the vehicle's acquisition and equipment.
The Psychobus is equipped with therapeutic materials, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating to accommodate young patients and their families.
A dedicated team that includes a child psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist, and social worker will operate the unit, guided by Dr. Sylvie Serret.
The service aims to proactively identify psychological issues among youth and provide immediate, appropriate interventions on-site.
Additionally, it will facilitate connections to more specialized care if necessary, ensuring continuity within mental health services.
The introduction of the Psychobus signifies a substantial step towards providing equitable access to mental health care for vulnerable populations in rural areas, collaborating with local schools and healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive support for young people facing psychological challenges.
The initiative, named 'Water Safety', targeted children participating in the tournament, involving over 108 young participants from nine of the 24 tournament teams.
Activities included water polo, aquatic obstacle courses, lifeguarding exercises, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Outside of the pool, three workshops were conducted by the Red Cross of Monaco, the Monaco Anti-Doping Committee, and the Monaco Olympic Committee.
The event was organized by the Princess Charlène Foundation, which emphasizes safety awareness as the summer swimming season approaches.
In a parallel initiative, the Université Pédiatrique Hospital Lenval has introduced the Psychobus, a mobile unit designed to provide mental health services to children and adolescents in isolated valleys such as the Bévera, Roya, and Paillon.
This initiative is particularly aimed at addressing access to psychiatric care in regions significantly affected by the aftermath of Storm Alex and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project has been fully funded by the Monegasque association Les Enfants de Frankie, which has allocated €82,761.75 for the vehicle's acquisition and equipment.
The Psychobus is equipped with therapeutic materials, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating to accommodate young patients and their families.
A dedicated team that includes a child psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist, and social worker will operate the unit, guided by Dr. Sylvie Serret.
The service aims to proactively identify psychological issues among youth and provide immediate, appropriate interventions on-site.
Additionally, it will facilitate connections to more specialized care if necessary, ensuring continuity within mental health services.
The introduction of the Psychobus signifies a substantial step towards providing equitable access to mental health care for vulnerable populations in rural areas, collaborating with local schools and healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive support for young people facing psychological challenges.
