Name of Organisation
Federación Salud Mental Castilla y León (Mental Health Federation Castilla y León)
Name of Practice
IMPULS-AP: Development of an Organisational Model of Personal Assistance in Rural Contexts
Topic
Mental health and disability support
Location and Level
Regional
Problem Identified and Solution Found
People with mental health conditions and disabilities in rural areas were being left without adequate, personalised support — and existing institutional models weren't aligned with their rights. IMPULS-AP was built as a direct response to this gap. This practice develops and consolidates a Personal Assistance model adapted to rural and low-density contexts, tackling territorial dispersion, workforce shortages, and social isolation head-on. Rather than just launching a service, it changes how organisations work from the inside — reshaping human resources, training, governance, funding, and networking. Territorial Innovation Centres serve as local hubs for learning and knowledge transfer, and network-based governance connects social organisations with community resources to make sure no one is left behind.
Success Factors and Key Lessons
The practice has supported 3,390 people over four years, 684 individuals trained, and 1,593 Personal Assistants employed. The model worked across both urban (62%) and rural (38%) settings, showing real adaptability. Keeping funding stable through a mix of public sources and existing organisational structures has been essential to making it last.
Beneficiaries
People with disabilities and mental health conditions, including those in dependency situations, people living in rural and hard-to-reach areas, personal Assistants and support professionals and around 7,000 people reached annually through the wider federation network.
Transferability and Replicability
The practice is highly transferable - it's built on clear principles, practical tools, and methodologies that can be adapted to different contexts. It's particularly relevant for small and medium-sized organisations working in rural or under-resourced settings. The model fits well within European and national strategies on deinstitutionalisation and community-based care, which helps with long-term viability.
Contact
Ángel Lozano — a.lozano@saludmentalcyl.org
Jesús Sánchez — j.sanchez@saludmentalcyl.org
https://saludmentalcyl.org/
Opportunities for Collaboration
