Leisure Programmes for Mental Health: Social Connection and Well-being at Fundación Manantial
At Fundación Manantial, we deeply value the importance of leisure and recreation in improving the quality of life for people with mental health disorders. Since 2009, our focus has been on offering enriching activities, encouraging companionship and enjoyment of life in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Leisure and Mental Health: Wide Range of Activities
We offer a variety of recreational activities, from outdoor excursions to cultural programmes such as theatre and music. Each activity is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, enriching and adapted to the participants’ individual preferences.
Hiking: Connecting with Nature
Hiking, one of our most popular activities, allows participants to connect with nature and bask in the tranquillity of the natural environment. We believe in the healing power of the outdoors for the physical and mental health.
Our Extensive Leisure Programme
Interactive Hiking Guide
We’ve put together an interactive hiking guide to make it easy to explore nature trails. This guide is designed to be reliable, user-friendly and interesting so that the participants can enjoy the beauty of nature in a comfortable and safe manner.
Wide Range of Trails for Everyone
The hiking trails include diverse landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula, from the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the Serranía de Cuenca natural park. Each route has been carefully selected and explained to ensure a rewarding and safe experience for all skill levels.
The routes described are found along two mountain systems of the Iberian Peninsula, clearly differentiated but with certain common characteristics: the Central System (Routes of the southwest area, Guadarrama, Ayllón and El Rincón) and the Iberian System (Routes of Cuenca).
Hiking Guide
- Serranía de Cuenca
- El Escalerón
- Cañón del Río Júcar
- Sierra de Guadarrama (vertiente madrileña)
- Cañón Río Lozoya
- Arroyo de la Angostura
- Cascada del Purgatorio
- Guadalix-Azud del Mesto
- Chorrera de Mojanavalle
- Sierra de Ayllón (Guadalajara)
- Río Ermito
- Cascada del Aljibe y Matallana
- Iglesia Santa María del Vado-La Vereda
- Sierra del Rincón
- Pontón de la Oliva
- Peña de la Cabra
- Zona recreativa El Molino
- Presa El Portillo
- Zona Suroeste
- Molinos del Río Perales
- Río Cofio
- Yelmo de San Juan
- Embalse de Picadas
- Sierra de Guadarrama (vertiente segoviana)
- Río Pirón
- Chorro Grande (La Granja)
Impact of Leisure on Recovery and Well-being
Benefits of Leisure on Mental Health
Leisure activities are more than just fun; they play a crucial role in mental health. They stimulate physical activity, provide relaxation, nurture positive social interactions, and boost self-esteem and self-confidence.
Companionship and Community
Through our activities, participants get a chance to gain friendships and a sense of belonging, two fundamental factors in emotional well-being. These shared experiences in an environment of companionship and mutual support are essential for personal growth and healing.
Expanding our Leisure Programmes
New Activities and Experiences
We constantly seek to expand and diversify our leisure programmes. So, we regularly introduce new activities and experiences that respond to our participants’ changing needs and demands.
Art and Creative Stimulation
In addition to outdoor activities, we incorporate art into our programmes to inspire creativity. Art, music, and theatre workshops offer our participants alternative forms of self-expression and personal development.
Community Events and Social Participation
We organise community events and social engagement opportunities to allow participants to interact with a broader community, thus breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion.
Conclusion: Leisure as a Tool for Well-being
At Fundación Manantial, we firmly believe in leisure as an effective tool for improving mental health and general well-being. Our programmes are designed to deliver meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of people with mental health conditions. They can empower to cultivate happiness, social connection, and a sense of accomplishment.
We welcome all those interested to join us in these leisure programmes by participating in the activities or supporting our work. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the participants.
