SPES PROGRAM

Preventing and addressing suicidality in adolescence

SPES Program – Preventing and addressing suicidality in adolescence

SPES Program is a multidisciplinary, integrated project developed from research at the Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Turin, in collaboration with SCT Centre. Its goal is to prevent suicide and promote adolescents’ mental wellbeing through a programme of awareness-raising, intervention and training.

SPES WORKSHOP

Training for teachers and the wider educational community

A 5-session workshop, 3 hours each, combining health education with active practices to develop soft skills. Based on the Social and Community Theatre methodology of the University of Turin/SCT Centre, it provides tools to become effective “gatekeepers”: adults able to recognise signs of distress in adolescents, communicate with empathy, and work with teachers, families and health services.

The workshop is offered in four tailored versions: for lower and upper secondary school teachers, educators, sports coaches and professionals working with young people, and healthcare professionals.

SPES EVENT

Performance and health-education session for adult communities

A 3-hour group training event for professionals working with adolescents in different fields: education, social care, healthcare, culture and sport.

The event is divided into 4 parts: an introduction to adolescent mental health, with a focus on the current situation; a performance of #SPES by Teatro Popolare Europeo, telling stories of adolescents; an interactive health education session led by an expert, with videos and slides; and a final discussion with participants, both in plenary and in small groups facilitated by SCT Centre operators.

SPES4TEEN

Workshop for adolescents

A theatre-based, universal prevention workshop for adolescents, designed in line with international guidelines (UNICEF and WHO HAT). Its aim is to strengthen adolescents’ socio-emotional skills, fostering empowerment, self-awareness and the development of positive relationships with peers and trusted adults.

SPES Program numbers

1335 Spettatori SPES Event

385 Teachers

235 Healthcare professionals

130 Educators and social-sector professionals

370 people trained through SPES WORKSHOP

240 Teachers

90 Healthcare professionals

40 Educators and social-sector professionals

340 Teeneger

18 Certified SPES Trainers

+40 Schools involved

10 Cities involved

Events and News

Free opportunity for schools: activities to support adolescent mental wellbeing

We are looking for upper secondary schools, especially Art, Humanities and Language High Schools, interested in taking part in a randomised controlled study to assess the effectiveness of the SPES4TEEN universal prevention programme.

SPES4TEEN is a theatre workshop based on UNICEF and WHO guidelines. Through Social and Community Theatre, it aims to promote mental wellbeing and prevent different forms of psychological distress among adolescents.

Schools taking part in the study will have the opportunity to run SPES4TEEN, or another universal wellbeing programme designed and led by mental health and education professionals, in at least two first- or second-year classes.

Participation is free of charge for schools.

The project is coordinated by the Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences of the University of Turin and by the Social and Community Theatre Centre.

It is supported by Compagnia di San Paolo as part of the 2025 Culture and Health programme.

For information, please write to: progettospes@unito.it.

CONTACTS

Interested in SPES Program?

 If you are a professional working with young people and adolescents and would like to learn more about the SPES formats—or activate one in a school, socio-health setting or another context—please contact: progettospes@.unito.it

SPES Program is an initiative developed by the Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, University of Turin, in collaboration with Social Community Theatre Centre.

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