On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 4:30 PM, the Vanvitelliano hall of Palazzo Loggia will host an important conference titled “Mental Health: A Common Good. Practices of Peace, Rights, and Freedom.” The event aims to serve as a moment of in-depth discussion regarding the four bills presented in Parliament, in relation to the implementation of Law 180 of 1978.
A panel of expert speakers will participate in the meeting, including Daniele Piccione, parliamentary advisor of the Senate and a member of the National Mental Health Forum; Arianna Carminati and Andrea Perin, associate professors at the University of Brescia; and Nichi Vendola, a well-known politician and poet. The moderation will be entrusted to Carla Ferrari Aggradi, who is also part of the National Mental Health Forum and the Marco Cavallo association.
A Significant Event
This conference is promoted by the “October 10” group, which brings together various local organizations, including the Marco Cavallo Forum Mental Health Brescia, the Alliance for Mental Health, the social cooperative Ets Il Calabrone, and the cultural association Teatro Dioniso. The meeting takes place on a symbolic date: May 13 marks the anniversary of the promulgation of Law 180, also known as the “Basaglia Law.” This legislation represented a historic turning point in the management of mental health in Italy, closing psychiatric hospitals and shifting the focus from the equation “mental illness – social danger” to social rights.
The #180 Common Good Campaign
Forty-six years after its introduction, in the spring of 2024, the #180 Common Good campaign was launched by the National Mental Health Forum. This initiative aims to raise public awareness on issues related to mental health through informational events like the one proposed by the “October 10” group.
In addition to the conference, on Sunday, May 18 at 6:30 PM, a theatrical performance titled “A Golden Dome of Stars,” dedicated to the poetess Alda Merini, will take place at “Bottega alta” located at Via Perlasca 28 in Rezzato. The event will conclude with a multicultural aperitif.
Objectives of the “October 10” Network
The “October 10” network has been actively operating in the Brescia area for several years with the aim of promoting social inclusion and best practices in psychiatric services. It is committed to raising awareness among citizens regarding the importance of the rights of individuals with mental disorders.
Law 180 represents a fundamental safeguard for human rights and is based on principles of humanity and coexistence. Its implementation continues to be a crucial issue for ensuring a fairer and more equitable society for all.
Italian Version
