Psychobus: A Mobile Beacon for Mental Health in Isolated Youth
An innovative project to address mental health needs among isolated young people in the Alpes-Maritimes region is set to launch in April 2025.
On April 8, 2025, the winding roads of the Roya and Paillon valleys in the Alpes-Maritimes will welcome the Psychobus, a mobile initiative designed to provide psychological support for children and adolescents living in remote areas.
This audacious project, spearheaded by the CHU-Lenval and fully funded by the Monaco-based association Les Enfants de Frankie with backing from the Orecchia Foundation, represents an investment of €82,761.75. The Psychobus embodies a philosophy of accessible healthcare for all, particularly in mountainous regions where geographic isolation compounds emotional distress.
Affiliated with the child and adolescent psychiatry department of CHU-Lenval, this medical bus will travel to several municipalities, including Sospel, Breil-sur-Roya, Tende, Lucéram, Contes, and L’Escarène.
The interior of the bus has been carefully designed to create a safe and confidential environment for young clients.
To maintain the privacy of consultations, there is no waiting room.
The vehicle is equipped with modern technology, including Wi-Fi, a computer, and a mobile phone, facilitating optimal care.
Young people up to the age of 18 will be able to visit spontaneously or make appointments through a dedicated telephone platform, removing traditional barriers to accessing psychological care.
The exterior of the bus features colorful and welcoming designs provided by the company Stick-Brand, deliberately contrasting with the austere appearance often associated with conventional medical facilities.
This initiative continues the mission of Les Enfants de Frankie, which has been active since 1997 under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II. Directed by Francien Giraudi, the founding president, the organization has established a collaborative network with over 200 entities—hospitals, social services, institutions, and educational establishments—that allows it to provide comfort and support to more than 6,000 children each year.
The organization emphasizes the collective responsibility for youth mental health, highlighting the importance of unified efforts to offer hope and support to children across institutional and geographic boundaries.
This audacious project, spearheaded by the CHU-Lenval and fully funded by the Monaco-based association Les Enfants de Frankie with backing from the Orecchia Foundation, represents an investment of €82,761.75. The Psychobus embodies a philosophy of accessible healthcare for all, particularly in mountainous regions where geographic isolation compounds emotional distress.
Affiliated with the child and adolescent psychiatry department of CHU-Lenval, this medical bus will travel to several municipalities, including Sospel, Breil-sur-Roya, Tende, Lucéram, Contes, and L’Escarène.
The interior of the bus has been carefully designed to create a safe and confidential environment for young clients.
To maintain the privacy of consultations, there is no waiting room.
The vehicle is equipped with modern technology, including Wi-Fi, a computer, and a mobile phone, facilitating optimal care.
Young people up to the age of 18 will be able to visit spontaneously or make appointments through a dedicated telephone platform, removing traditional barriers to accessing psychological care.
The exterior of the bus features colorful and welcoming designs provided by the company Stick-Brand, deliberately contrasting with the austere appearance often associated with conventional medical facilities.
This initiative continues the mission of Les Enfants de Frankie, which has been active since 1997 under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II. Directed by Francien Giraudi, the founding president, the organization has established a collaborative network with over 200 entities—hospitals, social services, institutions, and educational establishments—that allows it to provide comfort and support to more than 6,000 children each year.
The organization emphasizes the collective responsibility for youth mental health, highlighting the importance of unified efforts to offer hope and support to children across institutional and geographic boundaries.
