The Ayuntamiento de Santander has launched the second edition of 'My neighbourhood beats healthy and happy', a health promotion programme that has expanded its schedule and locations. Activities will take place across various neighbourhoods in the city until May 2027.
Mayor Gema Igual announced the details during a press conference at the Ayuntamiento, accompanied by the Councillor for Citizen Participation, Lorena Gutiérrez, the project's initiator, Dr. Javier Ceballos, and professionals involved in the different working groups. The initiative continues from its first edition, aiming to provide residents with knowledge and activities related to health care through sessions led by specialists.
The programme commenced on 6 November with an introductory talk at Finca Altamira and will continue on 13 and 14 November at the Nueva Montaña civic centre, culminating on 22 May with a final activity at the kitchen of Mercado de la Esperanza.
Expanded locations and community involvement
One of the key updates is the increase in venues hosting the activities, which will now include Finca Altamira, Nueva Montaña, Mercado de Miranda, La Marga, Numancia, Juan Carlos Calderón (Río de la Pila), Mercedes Cacicedo (San Román), Callealtero, the Fernando Ateca cultural centre, and Mercado de la Esperanza. This distribution aims to facilitate access for residents across different areas of Santander.
Mayor Igual noted that the project originated from meetings with local associations to understand their concerns and the health topics they wished to learn about. She acknowledged the collaboration of these associations and civic centre teams in shaping the content and adapting proposals to everyday issues faced by citizens. She also expressed gratitude for the professionals participating in this second edition, particularly Dr. Ceballos for his leadership.
Programme structure and themes
The programming is organised into four thematic blocks: 'Nutrition and diet'; 'Learning, sharing, and living better'; 'Physical and emotional well-being'; and 'Physical exercise for different health conditions'. Sessions will combine professional explanations with practical activities and opportunities for participant questions.
The nutrition and diet block will take place at the kitchen of Mercado de la Esperanza, featuring experts Luis Vázquez, Casti García, and Carlos Viadero. Activities are scheduled for Saturdays on 12 December, 23 January, 20 February, 20 March, 24 April, and 22 May at 11:00 hours. Registrations will be accepted at the civic centres.
'Learning, sharing, and living better' will be led by Javier Crespo, Alberto Boan, Gonzalo Rojí, and Francisco Vilches. Following the introductory session on 6 November, the calendar will continue on 13 November at Nueva Montaña and move to other municipal venues until 14 May, with meetings on Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00 hours.
The third block, focusing on physical and emotional well-being, will feature María González, Sweeti Sierra, Sonia Hoyos, Juan José García Corona, Fernando López Baños, and Dr. Ceballos. It will commence on 14 November at Nueva Montaña, addressing issues related to bodily and emotional well-being, with sessions scheduled for Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Finally, the section on physical exercise for different health conditions will include Gonzalo Gómez del Álamo, María José Sánchez, Kiti Martínez, Patricia de la Torriente, and José Luis Orizaola. Activities will begin on 20 November at the Nueva Montaña civic centre and conclude on 7 May at Finca Altamira, with sessions on Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00 hours.
Mayor Igual emphasised the participatory nature of the programme, which seeks to facilitate direct contact between professionals and residents while providing accessible information on well-being and daily habits. Interested citizens can consult the activity calendar and contact civic centres for information on sessions and registrations.
Through this second edition, the Ayuntamiento continues a programme that utilises municipal spaces to promote health and encourage community participation in their neighbourhoods. For more information and updates on 'My neighbourhood beats healthy and happy', visit the social media pages @barriosdesantander on Facebook and Instagram.
