The primary goal of this march is to advocate for the full social inclusion of individuals with mental illness and to actively combat the social stigma they still face. The event coincides with the commemoration of World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10th.
The official presentation of the event was attended by key figures such as Juan Francisco del Campo, head of the FAISEM Social Center in Ronda; Sebastián Rodríguez, president of ARPEM; Carmen Guerrero, manager of the Serranía Health Management Area; and Cristina Durán, municipal delegate for Social Rights of the Ronda City Council.
During the event, Juan Francisco del Campo highlighted the work of ARPEM, an association with two years of history dedicated to social integration and fighting stigma. Sebastián Rodríguez detailed the march's specifics, including the registration fee, which covers a t-shirt and bib.
Carmen Guerrero expressed her gratitude to ARPEM and FAISEM, emphasizing that this will be the first time Ronda residents take to the streets to raise awareness about mental illness. She also underscored the vital role these organizations play in helping patients lead integrated lives with dignity.
For her part, Cristina Durán reaffirmed the Ronda City Council's complete commitment to mental health, recalling the institutional declaration approved in the municipal plenary session. She encouraged citizens to participate widely in the October 18th march, stressing that mental health is a collective challenge and that society has an obligation to avoid stigmatizing those affected.
Registration for the march can be completed at the FAISEM Social Center in Ronda, located at Calle Serrato, number 4, between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, Monday to Friday. The march is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM from Plaza Teniente Arce.
