About the Self

Mental health service Cascais is represented by About the Self, a therapeutic co-living community in Alcabideche for people with experience of mental illness. The project supports personal recovery, including after hospitalisation, and can also provide respite for caregivers or a community-based way of living.

Its approach is holistic and recovery-oriented, focusing on autonomy, choice, purpose, resilience and social inclusion. Each participant can develop an individual intervention plan with therapeutic follow-up through case management, adapted to their needs and goals.

About the Self combines therapeutic housing with psychosocial rehabilitation activities connected to art, sport and nature. The programme includes yoga, holistic dance, cooking, gardening, therapeutic writing, an open art studio, music workshops, Pilates and sound journeys.

Services include a Recovery Co-Living programme, a daytime Community programme without accommodation, caregiver respite, and a 15-day clinical recovery programme following hospitalisation. The setting aims to create an informal, creative neighbourhood atmosphere where residents can build meaningful relationships and confidence.