Characteristics of innovation

Location

Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Salut Mental 9 Barris Association, 9 Barris Foundation, Civic Center Espai Jove Les Basses

Genesis

The IPS methodology was created in the United States. In 2014, it arrived in Catalonia to be applied to adults with mental health disorders. In 2015, the Joia Foundation decided to transfer the methodology to the youth population, which was heavily affected by the economic crisis that began in 2008. The pilot test in Catalonia lasted two years and was implemented in Nou Barris, the district with the highest unemployment and poverty rates in Barcelona. It had the support of the Mental Health Association 9 Barris and the 9 Barris Foundation. The location was the Civic Center Espai Jove Les Basses, a community space with extensive experience in job placement and mental health.

Implementation level

During the two years of the pilot test, 120 young people between the ages of 16 and 35 with various mental disorders were attended to. 54% successfully completed the process with quality employment contracts (lasting more than six months or indefinite). Additionally, 30% decided to pursue further education or training. The successes of the trial allowed the project to be consolidated into the Itínere Joves service, which is included among the six types of programs offered by the Joia Foundation in Barcelona and its metropolitan area.