This October 10, Queen Silvia visited the Ågrenska competence center, which welcomes sick and disabled children. During this visit, Queen Silvia inaugurated a new recreation room at the center in the presence of children with albinism. Later in the day, the Queen of Sweden took part in a conference to mark World Mental Health Day.
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Queen Silvia returns to a center for sick children, 35 years after her inauguration
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared October 10 a day dedicated to promoting mental health. On this occasion, Queen Silvia, 80 years old, made several visits this Thursday. The Queen of Sweden visited the Ågrenska competence center near Gothenburg. In 1989, 35 years ago, Queen Silvia inaugurated this center.
Since its inauguration, the center has welcomed more than 5,000 families through its family programs. Ågrenska is a national model in supporting people with rare health conditions and other disabilities. “With an activity combining scientific knowledge and human commitment, Ågrenska offers short-term activities, family stays, personal assistance, training and conferences”explains the center.
During the visit, Queen Silvia inaugurated the reopening of the Hall of the Future. From now on, the room includes a musical space to allow children to practice different cultural activities. On the occasion of the Queen’s visit, the center invited a group of children with albinism with their families. “Albinism is a rare disease that presents both medical and social challenges”explains the center. “Making these children and their families visible raises awareness of the unique challenges they face.”
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Queen Silvia opens conference on mental health at University of Gothenburg
In the afternoon, Queen Silvia visited the University of Gothenburg where a conference for World Mental Health Day was being held. As part of Queen Silvia’s 80th birthday, the university has received a donation to fund a chair in global child and adolescent health which will focus on mental health.
As an introduction to this work, the University of Gothenburg organized a global conference which Queen Silvia opened with a speech. “Just as we are called to protect the mental well-being of adults in the workforce, we must ensure that schools are environments where children can thrive, both emotionally and academically,” Queen Silvia said. After the conference opened, the Queen attended a panel discussion with researchers and experts.
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