The Valladolid City Council reaffirms its commitment to young people and introduces new measures aimed at enhancing the quality of life and well-being of this demographic.
This announcement was made on Monday by the Councillor for Youth, Carolina del Bosque, as she reviewed her first year in office.
On the occasion of International Youth Day, celebrated today, August 12, Del Bosque expressed her “great satisfaction” with the work accomplished and emphasized the importance of continuously listening to and addressing the needs of young people in Valladolid to further improve the services and benefits available to them.
This year, several initiatives have been launched, including a free Psychological Guidance Service in youth spaces, which has been operational since last March to promote the mental health of young individuals; the suicide prevention campaign titled ‘The world needs your shine,’ developed in collaboration with the departments of Senior Citizens, Family and Social Services, and Public Health and Citizen Security; and the healthy eating campaign ‘Think outside the plate,’ featuring a series of workshops on healthy eating in youth spaces that will conclude on September 29 with a significant event.
The councillor also mentioned the opening of night study rooms for young people, which have served more than a thousand users, including those established for candidates during the summer at the Active Life Centres in Parquesol, Huerta del Rey, and La Rondilla.
In anticipation of the upcoming patron saint festivities, it was announced that, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Vallanoche program, a live music event featuring local bands and DJs will take place on September 8 during the Feria y Fiestas de la Virgen de San Lorenzo at Paseo de Las Moreras.
Lastly, Del Bosque highlighted the ‘Get to know your Town Hall’ initiative, allowing individuals aged 18 to 35 to visit the Town Hall with assistance from the Councillor for Youth.
“It is very rewarding to see through evaluation forms for the services implemented that our efforts are genuinely positive and appreciated by young people,” concludes the Councillor for Youth.
Valladolid City Council’s Commitment to Improving Youth Well-Being
The Valladolid City Council has taken significant strides to enhance the quality of life and well-being of its young residents. This commitment was reaffirmed by the Councillor for Youth, Carolina del Bosque, as she reviewed her first year in office on International Youth Day.
Key Initiatives Launched in the Past Year
Carolina del Bosque expressed her satisfaction with the work accomplished thus far and highlighted the council’s ongoing efforts to listen and respond to the needs of young people in Valladolid. Here are some notable initiatives introduced this year:
- Free Psychological Guidance Service: Launched in March, this service is available in youth spaces to support the mental health of young people.
- Suicide Prevention Campaign: The campaign titled ‘The World Needs Your Shine’ aims to address mental health challenges and promote awareness alongside the departments of Seniors, Family and Social Services, Public Health, and Citizen Security.
- Healthy Eating Campaign: The ‘Think Outside the Plate’ initiative involves workshops on healthy eating habits targeting youth, culminating with a major event on September 29.
- Night Study Rooms: Dedicated study spaces have been opened, attracting approximately 1,000 users throughout the summer in various Active Life Centres.
Celebrating Youth Through Local Events
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the council is organizing a special event in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Vallanoche programme. This event will take place on September 8 during the Feria y Fiestas de la Virgen de San Lorenzo, featuring live music from local bands and DJs at Paseo de Las Moreras.
Engagement Initiatives for Young Residents
Another exciting development is the ‘Get to Know Your Town Hall’ initiative. This program invites young people aged 18 to 35 to explore the workings of their local government, guided by the Councillor for Youth. It aims to foster a sense of community and engagement among young citizens.
Impact of Initiatives on Youth in Valladolid
The feedback from young people who have participated in these services has been overwhelmingly positive. According to evaluation forms completed by users, the initiatives launched are addressing real needs within the community and engaging youth in meaningful ways.
Benefits of the Council’s Initiatives
The recent measures undertaken by the Valladolid City Council provide numerous benefits for young people, including:
- Mental Health Support: Access to professional psychological guidance helps address mental health issues early.
- Social Awareness: Campaigns like ‘The World Needs Your Shine’ promote mental health awareness and encourage open discussions among youths.
- Healthy Lifestyles: Workshops teach nutritional literacy, contributing to healthier choices and habits among young residents.
- Academic Support: Night study rooms provide a conducive environment for study, catering to high school students and young adults alike.
Case Studies: Real Experiences from Valladolid Youth
To illustrate the impact of these initiatives, let’s explore some real-life experiences shared by participants:
| Name | Experience | Initiative Used |
|---|---|---|
| Ana Ruiz | “The psychological guidance service was a lifesaver during my exam period.” | Free Psychological Guidance Service |
| Javier Dominguez | “I loved the workshops on healthy eating. I learned so much about nutrition!” | Think Outside the Plate |
| Lucía Martínez | “The night study room helped me concentrate better and increased my grades!” | Night Study Rooms |
Practical Tips for Young People in Valladolid
If you’re a young resident of Valladolid looking to make the most out of these valuable initiatives, consider the following practical tips:
- Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of the free psychological guidance service, especially during stressful periods like exams.
- Join Workshops: Participate in healthy eating workshops to gain insights into crafting balanced diets.
- Engage with the Community: Attend local events like Vallanoche to meet new people and enjoy live music.
- Visit the Town Hall: Join the ‘Get to Know Your Town Hall’ program to understand local governance better and have your voice heard.
Future Plans for Youth Engagement in Valladolid
The City Council continues to prioritize youth engagement, aiming to implement additional measures based on feedback from the community. With a focus on ongoing dialogue, the council seeks to adapt and develop new programs that resonate with the evolving interests and needs of Valladolid’s youth.
