Torrevieja has joined a pilot scheme promoting healthy leisure as part of a European prevention model developed with the European Institute of Prevention Studies (IREFREA). The programme aims to strengthen addiction prevention through high-quality activities focused on children, adolescents and young people.

A first multidisciplinary meeting has been held to launch the initiative and outline its methodology. Councillors responsible for Public Health, Sports, Social Welfare and Citizen Participation attended, alongside IREFREA’s director and European project coordinator.

Municipal staff from health, education, youth, equality and the Local Police have also taken part, together with professionals from local health centres and Torrevieja University Hospital. Social organisations including APAEX and ADIEM are involved in the project.

The Healthy Leisure Promotion model is based on scientific evidence and encourages cooperation between public bodies and community groups. The council says being chosen as a pilot municipality will strengthen existing prevention work and create a coordinated, long-term strategy to support young people and improve overall community wellbeing.