Marching for mental health

Dénia coastal hike helps fund wellbeing

Some mental health cases are more severe and need more support than others – millions of people on every continent function daily despite their mental illness, whilst others are simply unable to – but it's not their fault. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, schizophrenia, psychosis, personality disorders, eating disorders are recognised and diagnosable health conditions, in the same way as diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure and even the common cold are medical conditions. Absolutely anyone could suffer them, however 'stoic' or 'optimistic' they are.

But in many parts of the Valencian region, mental health services are near-absent or exceptionally poorquality unless you pay for them, meaning thousands of sufferers are either undiagnosed or untreated, or simply medicated with no other therapy; mental health is the poor relation of the medical world, and one of the most neglected areas.

This is where AMADEM comes in – the Marina Altabased charity works with around 130 people a year, of whom at least 50 have found no solutions within the public health service. The association is open to anyone with any degree of mental illness, from major (temporary but severe and normally circumstantial) depression with a concrete cause through to those who need 'halfway housing' and constant care and are registered as disabled.

Naturally, as a charity, AMADEM needs funds. And like most Costa charities, it does its best to put the 'fun' into 'fundraising', which includes this week's coastal hike around Dénia.

Setting off at 10.00 on Sunday (September 29), anyone who feels like it should meet in the Dénia Marina car park in sensible shoes (bring water, plus a hat and sunscreen if it's warm), and prepare themselves for some wonderful scenery, fresh country air and healthy exercise.

The 5km trek to the end of Las Rotas is relatively easy for anyone of a normal level of fitness, and takes three hours – there's no need to rush.

No mountain-climbing is involved, but the route isn't completely flat – the highest you'll find yourself at is an altitude of 39 metres above sea-level, since the route to Las Rotas is on a slope.

Entry costs €5, all of which goes towards AMADEM's excellent work, although you can donate more if you're able and willing.

To join in, ring the organisers on 96 646 91 20 or to to the charity's website:

www.amadem.es