text Teresa Favi
Valeria Angeli, president of Progetto Itaca Firenze
Values and objectives of the voluntary association established to promote mental health
What is Progetto Itaca Firenze in a nutshell?
It deals with care and prevention in mental health and does so by filling the gaps left by healthcare. We help patients through a reception centre and support groups for family members. We promote information and the fight against prejudice, with prevention in schools and our outreach projects.
A volunteer and outreach events manager since 2019. What is the nicest thing to come out of this experience?
The conference in the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio The journey to Ithaca, a new route after the pandemic, where we talked about the impact of the pandemic on young people in terms of mental distress.
What have been your first wins as a new president?
The support received at the fundraising event, Shining Stars Charity Event.
What are your targets for 2024?
We are ramping up our schools project, where we want to reach an increasing number of young people, who today need correct, concise information like what they receive from social networks. There are many new topics that we are addressing with them, primarily internet addiction.
What is the lesson you learn from Progetto Itaca?
Mental health and well-being is achieved by coming out of one’s shell, through relationships.
Which are your must-see places in Florence?
The Odeon cinema in Piazza degli Strozzi, the four roundels of the Evangelists by Pontormo and Bronzino in the Church of Santa Felicita, Luca in Via dei Serragli, Flow store in Via de’ Vecchietti, Atto by Vito Mollica in Via del Corso.
What is your motto?
‘Festina lente’ means hurry slowly, so act, but with purpose.
