Santa Cruz Pilots 'Bridges in Health' for Homeless Mental Health

The Canary Islands' Health Ministry has announced a new program, "Bridges in Health," set to launch in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Starting March 1st, this pilot project will offer direct street-level support to homeless people struggling with mental health problems and addictions. It will use a harm reduction approach, considering gender differences, and is a collaboration with the charity Doctors of the World.

This program addresses a critical need in Tenerife's capital, where many homeless people struggle with mental illness and addiction. Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez had previously raised concerns about the lack of sufficient housing for this group. He highlighted that between January and August last year, city services helped 700 homeless individuals. Over half of these came from other parts of the island, and one in three had been diagnosed with a mental disorder or addiction. This underscores the scale of the challenge and the need for more resources across the entire island.

Health Minister Esther Monzón explained that "Bridges in Health" will deploy a team of professionals to provide expert help directly in urban areas. This model is similar to the "Mejora" program, which began in Las Palmas last November. Monzón also noted that the Canarian Health Service (SCS) has its own mental health network, which works in partnership with other government bodies, such as island councils, and with various charities.

Regarding housing for people with long-term mental illness in Tenerife, Monzón clarified that the island council manages these homes. The Health Ministry, however, is responsible for providing the necessary medical staff, including psychiatrists and nurses. A current agreement projects that the number of these places will increase to 263 between 2026 and 2028.