The week of mental health: connect with the Science Shop community partners!

How can you do something for children in hospital, children living in Roma camps or children’s homes?  Look out for the Science Shop and community partners in the E building’s Zsibongo from 10:00-12:00 on October 17.  

This year’s theme is connection as a key component of mental health. Strong, supportive connections help us get through difficult times, whether it’s with family, friends or communities. These organisations offer causes and opportunities where connection is key and which raise awareness of the transformative power of human connection.  

Background on the organisations: 

Amigos a gyerekekért Alapítvány (Amigos for Children Foundation) 

Made up of university volunteers, Amigos is a non-profit organisation that aims to lift the spirits of sick and other vulnerable children through regular visits, playful language learning and friendship. The Amigos strive to create a supportive and inspiring environment to spark children’s imaginations and empower them to overcome obstacles with resilience and determination. 

Bagázs Közhasznú Egyesület (Bagázs Public Benefit Society) 

Bagázs works to improve opportunities for communities living in two Roma settlements in Pest County, Bag and Dány. Through its programmes, the organisation offers complex solutions to the well-known problems of the Roma settlements in Hungary. Bagázs has nearly 150 trained volunteers a year who work for the development of the Roma in the settlements, so that they are able to formulate and take action to achieve their goals.  

Papírsárkány Gyermekalapítvány (Papírsárkány Children’s Foundation) 

Papírsárkány is a community that helps children in children’s homes to unleash their potential, giving them the resources they need to have an equal start in adult life. Its aim is to educate, care and give a helping hand to children growing up in children’s homes, to ensure their well-being and equal opportunities.  

NEO Magyar Segítőkutya Egyesület (NEO Hungarian Association of Assistance Dogs) 

NEO is an advocacy organisation that trains and employs assistance dogs and promotes social awareness. One of the main objectives of the organisation is to advocate for people with disabilities and to promote their social inclusion through specially trained assistance dogs. The majority of their staff are professionals with a four-legged support dog. Another mission of NEO is to promote a broad social outlook through the use of assistance dogs. Their interactive programmes aim not only to promote inclusion and equal opportunities by familiarising people with disabilities in their daily lives, but also to develop the social skills of non-disabled children and adults, as well as personal and community development.  

How can you connect with people living with assistance dogs? Attend the Assistance Dog Demonstration in the Aula from 12:00-14:00 on October 17. Detailed information about this event is available on the university website.  

More events are listed in the Facebook event.