From educational visits to inspiring exhibitions and outdoor activities, Residencia Hestia Esquerdo has become a meeting point for learning and awareness.
Visit by Social Integration students from IES Pío Baroja
In January, Residencia Hestia Esquerdo welcomed a group of Social Integration students from IES Pío Baroja, a secondary school with which it collaborates on various activities throughout the year. During the visit, the students, accompanied by the residence’s professionals—Director Elena Moreno and educators Cristina, Roxana and Erika—and service users, were able to see first-hand how the centre operates and learn about the service it provides.
The aim of this open-door meeting was to provide direct contact with the services and their users, breaking down barriers and stigma associated with mental health. The experience was highly enriching for the students, service users and professionals alike, encouraging greater understanding and empathy towards people with mental health problems.
Women’s Day: “Hands That Tell Stories” exhibition
To mark Women’s Day, the Occupational Therapy department (Isabel Barrio) organised a series of workshops with service users to prepare a photography exhibition entitled “Hands That Tell Stories”. The exhibition features photographs of the hands of all the women who are part of the residence, both service users and professionals.
Through a brainstorming session, a series of phrases relating to the women at the residence was collected and turned into a poem. The exhibition was displayed in the waiting room at Hospital Hestia Esquerdo throughout March, where it was open to families, patients and professionals, receiving many positive comments.
The MiniResidencia Women’s Group
The MiniResidencia Women’s Group, led by psychologist Ángeles Muñoz, meets monthly to discuss issues relating to gender equality and the role of women in history and contemporary society. To mark International Women’s Day, a joint activity was held with patients from the Day Hospital service.
The women in the group designed an educational activity involving a puzzle with terms and definitions relating to gender equality, along with questions about women’s roles. The aim was to encourage an exchange of ideas and beliefs through group discussion, raising awareness of the importance of equality and providing a safe space for reflection.
The activity began with the women from the MiniResidencia giving the Day Hospital group a guided tour, followed by the puzzle activity. Participants split into two groups to work on the puzzle pieces, reflecting on the concepts and defining them. Finally, the groups came together to discuss and assemble the puzzle, revealing an image connected with the feminist struggle. The activity was well received by all the women taking part, promoting education and awareness of gender equality.
Hiking activity
At the start of spring, a hike was organised along the El Pardo riverside route. The group travelled by public transport, and the walk lasted approximately 45–50 minutes, ending with a small snack to restore their energy before returning to the residence. Eleven service users took part, and the activity received very positive feedback, inspiring suggestions for further hiking routes close to the neighbourhood.
These activities reflect Grupo Hestia’s commitment to inclusion, education and the wellbeing of its service users. Through a range of initiatives at Residencia Hestia Esquerdo and other centres in the group, Hestia not only provides meaningful experiences that promote understanding and respect within the community, but also encourages an environment in which barriers are broken down and positive relationships are built.
