Study Visit to San Patrignano – October 13, 2023

On October 12th and 13th, ECAD, in collaboration with SanPatrignano and KRIS, organised a study visit to San Patrignano. The programme aimed to provide the possibility for participants to gain knowledge in a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery. 

San Patrignano is an addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre based on peer-based support, vocational skills training, and long-term recovery. Currently, 800 residents are residing in SanPatrignano. However, at its most (before COVID-19), 1600 residents were living in SanPatrignano. Taking part in the programme is free for all and is open for those determined to battle their addiction from Italy and abroad. The programme generally is three years. Yet, based on the needs of the individual, the length of the programme varies. 


A delegation of 22 participants met in Riccione, Italy, on October 12. After a dinner where they could get to know each other, we briefly introduced each other and their backgrounds. The delegation comprised ECAD members and social workers from Lithuania, Malta, and Sweden. 

On October 13, the delegation visited SanPatrignano. Here, we were warmly welcomed by two residents who dedicated their time to be our guides for the day. They showed us around the facilities and were open to questions about their experiences at SanPatrignano throughout the day. SanPatrignano consists of various departments in which products are produced. The main ideology of SanPatrignano is for residents to go through vocational skills training while embarking on their recovery journey. During the introductory interview, residents are assigned to a department where they will work. This creates a daily structure that allows them to talk to their peers, mirror themselves, build skills, and gain confidence. There are many different departments at SanPatrignano, from laundry to textile, to cheese factory, wineries, and dog kennels. Our delegation visited the textile, laundry, leather, carpentry and wallpaper departments, dog kennels, and bakery. All products are produced based on orders and for sale. The revenues from the sales are reinvested in SanPatrignano. 

After having shared lunch, a Q&A session took place in which we were joined by Monica Barzanti. She gave a presentation on the history of SanPatrignano, the organisational structure, and their projects. An example given was the project WeFree in which school children are invited to visit SanPatrignano and join a full-day workshop. After the Q&A session, the study visit to SanPatrignano was finalized with a visit to the SanPa shop in which all participants could buy products produced at SanPatrignano. 

Overall, the study visit was a success, and we are grateful to SanPatrignano for their warm welcome and showing their holistic approach and inspiring work towards building a better society.

Department of Carpentry and Wall Paper

 



Department of Leather                                                               
 

Department of Textile 


Bakery Department
 



Lunch Room                                                                                                            


SanPatrignano Shop
 

Group Pictures