Iguality
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Iguality is a nonprofit organization based in Barcelona, established in August 2022 by a diverse team of psychologists, sociologists, and social workers. The organization aims to provide free mental health services to marginalized communities, including refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and migrants, who face barriers in accessing mental health care in Spain. Iguality operates through a network of volunteer therapists, offering both in-person and online psychosocial support. Additionally, the organization promotes social integration through sports and physical activities and works on advocacy and awareness-raising about mental health accessibility and social justice.
Country Information
Spain, known for its robust healthcare system, is experiencing a worsening mental health crisis. A 2020 IS Global study found that 22% of Spaniards suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Public mental health services are burdened by long wait times, leading many to seek costly private care, which creates barriers for low-income and marginalized individuals. In Catalonia and Barcelona, mental health issues have worsened, with a 2.3% rise in suicides exacerbated by socioeconomic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic. These conditions highlight the urgent need for improved mental health support for at-risk communities.
The Need
In Barcelona and surrounding areas, individuals who cannot afford private mental health care face long waits, limited access, and few treatment options. Overwhelmed primary care centers and a shortage of mental health professionals, especially in non-urban areas, exacerbate these issues. The over-prescription of antidepressants and other medications in Catalonia underscores the need for therapeutic interventions and prevention. Marginalized groups, such as immigrants, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in economic hardship, face significant barriers to accessing culturally competent and coordinated mental health care. Stigma and discrimination further hinder access to necessary services.
The Project We Fund
Iguality’s project aims to provide accessible psychological and psychosocial care through psychoeducation for vulnerable populations, including refugees, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and victims of domestic violence. The initiative will offer psychoeducational sessions, sports, community activities, and additional support such as physiotherapy and legal advice. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (BSFT), the project seeks to improve mental health, enhance social participation, and prevent severe mental health issues. Volunteers will assist with psychoeducational activities and other services like yoga and sports. Supported by the Think Human Foundation, this initiative will help individuals regain control of their lives, increase social participation, and access educational and employment opportunities, making a lasting impact on their mental and general well-being.
The Result
The project will implement a detailed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan with SMART KPIs for accurate tracking, utilizing technology tools such as Airtable, Google Workspace, and Fillout for real-time data management and adjustments. The project coordinator will oversee M&E weekly, monitoring indicators and addressing issues as they arise. Beneficiary feedback will be collected through surveys and sessions to measure well-being and social participation, with thematic analysis identifying trends for improvement. By the end of the 3-year project, at least 240 direct beneficiaries will receive psychoeducational care and activities, and approximately 1,000 indirect beneficiaries (friends and family) will also experience positive effects.
