Created to promote mutual support, social connection, and autonomy for people with mental disabilities or facing similar difficulties, the Mutual Support Group (GEM) celebrated his first birthday au Museum of Art For Science (AFS), which is leading the initiativeA year during which the members took on a series of projects and gained confidence.
Since its launch in July 2025, the GEMois have multiplied the initiatives : outings to the cinema and the beach, shared meals, discovering local shops, or even selling lemonade during the Handyculture eventEvery Thursday, a meeting allows them to propose and organize their own projects.
“The GEM allows me to get out of my house”
Five of the ten members They took the floor to recount their first year. Sophie explained that the GEM brought out “qualities she didn’t know she possessed.” Maxime said that coming to the GEM brings him “joy,” while Alexandra testified to the well-being she finds there. shared observation by the Coralita SESSAD (Specialized Service for Education and Support at Home), whose professionals were struck by her progress and found her particularly fulfilled within the group. AlongsideAFS, the partners present — ARS (regional health agency) SAMSAH (medical and social support service for disabled adults), SESSAD (specialized education and home care services), CAF (family allowance fund), Jielle Training et Bosco Horizon — were also able to discuss the results of this first year. Three new profiles could soon join the scheme.
Onward to an even more active second year!
The second year looks just as promising. rich in activitiesincluding an outing to Pinel, a day on a catamaran, and a trip to Saint-Barthélemy to meet other potential GEM candidates. cooking workshops will also begin, with the first session dedicated to pizza. An oven has been installed in the museum for their activities. Board games and introductions to reading are also scheduled every month.
After a year, the GEM of Saint-Martin thus seems to have found its place : a space where members can meet, take initiatives, and gradually gain confidence and autonomy. _Vx
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