A milestone for Vienna: The founding of pro mente
On December 2, 1965, a decisive step was taken for psychosocial care in the federal capital at Vienna City Hall. The renowned psychiatrist Raoul Schindler founded the non-profit association pro mente Wien. Since that day, the organization has worked tirelessly for mental health and social inclusion. But what exactly lies behind this success story that has now lasted 60 years?
The beginnings: A vision becomes reality
In the 1960s, awareness of mental health was by no means as developed as it is today. Mental illnesses were often stigmatized and affected people isolated. Raoul Schindler, himself a pioneer in psychiatry, recognized the urgent need for support and founded pro mente Wien to give these people a voice and a point of contact.
"It was a time when mental health was hardly taken seriously. We set ourselves the goal of changing that," said Dr. Raoul Schindler in a fictional interview from the founding days.
A look at the development: Growth and change
Today, 60 years later, pro mente Wien has developed into one of the most important organizations for psychosocial support in Austria. With around 350 employees and over 150 dedicated volunteers, the organization cares for more than 2,000 clients annually at 16 locations in Vienna.
- Living arrangements: Pro mente bietet diverse Wohnmöglichkeiten für Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen an, um ihnen ein sicheres und unterstützendes Umfeld zu bieten.
- Work and leisure activities: Durch gezielte Programme werden Klienten dabei unterstützt, ein selbstbestimmtes Leben zu führen und ihre sozialen Fähigkeiten zu stärken.
- Self-help and specialized support: Besonders für Kinder und Jugendliche im Autismus-Spektrum gibt es spezialisierte Angebote, die auf ihre individuellen Bedürfnisse eingehen.
„For 60 years we have been committed to making sure that no one has to face a mental health crisis alone. We open doors, provide support, and fight so that everyone can live a self-determined life,“ emphasizes Dr.in Hemma Swoboda, chairwoman of pro mente Wien.
Die pro mente Akademie: Bildung als Schlüssel
Another central component of pro mente's work is the pro mente Akademie. It offers initial, advanced and continuing training in the psychosocial and social-psychiatric fields. The focus is on prevention, support, and professional qualification. Especially at a time when mental illnesses are increasingly being diagnosed, the training of professionals is essential.
Political support and partnerships
The work of pro mente Wien is supported not only by its employees but also by a wide range of funders and partners. These include the Fonds Soziales Wien, the Arbeitsmarktservice Wien and the Sozialministeriumservice. The Ministry of Education as well as municipal departments MA 10 and MA 11 also play an important role.
"The challenges in the field of mental health have become noticeably greater in recent years. All the more important is our mission: care that reaches people, has an impact, and takes place on an equal footing. For that we thank not only our funders but also our partners," adds Dr. Rudolf P. Wagner, Managing Director of pro mente Wien.
Societal change: From taboo to acceptance
Over the past decades, society's understanding of mental illness has changed significantly. What was once a taboo subject is now discussed more openly. Pro mente Wien has played a major role in ensuring that mental health has gained importance in society.
"This anniversary belongs to all of us: employees, clients, funders and partners. Because only together can we shape a future in which humanity, participation and solidarity matter," says Mag.a Tamara Weichselberger, Deputy Managing Director of pro mente Wien.
Looking to the future: Visions for the coming decades
Even after 60 years, pro mente Wien's vision remains relevant: a society in which people with mental illnesses not only receive support but above all experience acceptance and opportunities. "Miteinander für psychische Gesundheit" ("Together for mental health") is not only the organization's guiding principle but also its motivation and responsibility.
Even though times are challenging, we remain 6 with courage, with new ideas and with the firm conviction that mental health must be a top priority in our society,D says Dr. Hemma Swoboda.
The coming years will show how the organization will develop further to meet the growing challenges. But one thing is certain: Pro mente Wien will continue to play a central role in promoting mental health in Austria.
