The UPCCA brings together more than 10 organizations to strengthen the prevention of addictions in leisure activities.

The Torrevieja City Council, through its Community Prevention Unit for Addictive Behaviors (UPCCA), under the Department of Public Health, is organizing a workshop that brings together more than 10 organizations from the Intersectoral Health Committee to strengthen addiction prevention in the leisure sector. The training begins today, October 14, at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Center and will conclude tomorrow, October 15, with the aim of expanding the municipality's prevention network and improving the protection of minors.

The activity, inaugurated by the Councilor for Public Health, Rosa Cañón, is part of the addiction prevention program in the leisure sector coordinated by IREFREA, with funding from the National Drug Plan. Its implementation in Torrevieja will be carried out in accordance with the Municipal Plan on Drug Addiction and Other Addictive Behaviors 2026-2029.

Over the two days, participants will work on evidence-based strategies to expand the prevention network and establish partnerships between the public and private sectors. The workshop will incorporate collaborative activities, mutual support, and shared commitments to improve the conditions under which citizens enjoy their festivals, play sports, and participate in leisure activities.

The proposal pays particular attention to local festivals and public spaces as places for meeting and socializing. The aim is to preserve their cultural and social value, prevent risky substance use, and promote environments that protect the health, safety, and peace of mind of the community.

The protection of children and adolescents is a key focus of this training program, which will address the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and e-cigarette use, as well as the risks associated with energy drinks, gambling, and problematic use of video games and social media. To this end, efforts will be made to coordinate actions and train those working in leisure settings.

Among the expected outcomes is the creation of a working platform to ensure the continuity of the strategies developed during the workshop. Additionally, a roadmap will be developed for a meeting with citizen organizations, including representatives from the economic sector, to facilitate multi-sectoral participation in the program's development.

The initiative also aims to improve existing leisure and socialization resources in Torrevieja by incorporating high-quality recreational, cultural, and sporting activities, and to encourage the development of new programs with the participation of teenagers and young adults. This work involves collaboration with educational and healthcare centers, sports facilities, cultural centers, and public spaces such as municipal parks.

In parallel, the City Council, with the support of the Councilor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, will work on creating a group for families to strengthen their knowledge and capacity to participate in prevention. The group will be led by Blas Pérez Prieto, a community nurse and president of the Habaneras Parents' Association, and will provide access to information and tools to promote healthy leisure activities for their children.