In Ilūkste, people with mental disorders plant a forest

In order to promote the integration of people with mental disabilities into society and to reduce the prejudices prevailing in society, the Ministry of Welfare has organised a Forest Day event - forest planting talc for the second year. This year it took place on 18 May in Ilūkste.

Residents and employees of the group apartments for people with mental disorders in Pašuliene, people working in the specialist workshops of Ilūkste, clients of the Health Centre “Ilūkste” Long-term social care and social rehabilitation department, and representatives of the Day Care Centre in Višķi, all participated in the event. Together they worked with both the management of the municipality of Augšdaugava, the social service employees and the employees of the city administration of Ilūkste.

"With this Forest Days event, we want to create positive social contacts, reduce stereotypes and raise positive experiences. On the other hand, for people who have moved from social care centers to group apartments, a forest that has been planted will make sense of belonging to the place where they live,” says the Minister of Welfare Gatis Eglītis.

People with mental disabilities are among the most exposed population groups at risk of discrimination, some of whom still choose not to talk about. This problem is not only true for those who have people with mental disabilities or who are working with this group of society on a daily basis - it affects us all, because these people can be our neighbours, colleagues or vice presidents on public transport.