PasaXT Hacia el Empleo: Empowering Young People with Psychosocial Disabilities through Employment Pathways

Since 2018, the PasaXT Hacia el Empleo project, coordinated by the Federación Salud Mental Castilla y León (Spain), has helped over 130 young people with psychosocial disabilities to strengthen their employability, self-confidence, and life goals through a comprehensive, community-based approach.

Supported by Fundación ONCE and the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+), this programme addresses the alarmingly low labour participation rate of people with psychosocial disabilities in Spain (29.2% according to INE, 2022) and aims to bridge the employment gap by combining technical training, personal development, and peer support.

A holistic and innovative approach to inclusion

The 2025 edition of PasaXT Hacia el Empleo brought together 31 participants under the age of 40 across seven regional associations. These young people, many of whom had seen their education and career interrupted due to mental health diagnoses, benefited from:

  • Personalised career and training plans
  • Group training in digital and social skills, job search strategies, and emotional intelligence
  • Practical experiences including visits to over 30 companies and 60 community resources

  • Peer mentoring by Personal Assistants with lived experience, a key innovation in the project
  • Inclusive sports sessions in partnership with local rugby teams to promote teamwork and resilience

One of the project’s signature activities was a day at the La Roca Adventure Centre in Palencia, where participants challenged themselves on climbing walls and zip lines — a metaphorical and literal step forward in facing their fears and building self-efficacy.

Tangible results, real impact

As of June 2025, the seventh edition of the project has already led to:

  • 6 job placements

  • 16 job interviews

  • Renewed motivation and social integration for all participants

These results confirm the findings of the 2023 Impact Study, which showed that 67% of participants in past editions improved their employability, found work, or returned to formal education.

A model worth sharing

The success of PasaXT Hacia el Empleo lies in its person-centred, strength-based methodology, its focus on emerging employment sectors (e.g. digital literacy, care services), and its gender-sensitive approach — this year, all seven personal assistants were women, reflecting the Federation’s commitment to equal opportunities.

In a time when youth mental health and unemployment are pressing challenges across Europe, PasaXT offers a replicable model rooted in inclusion, dignity and empowerment.

Social Media channels

Facebook/LinkedIn/Youtube: Federación Salud Mental Castilla y León

Instagram, X: @saludmentalcyl

Website: https://saludmentalcyl.org/

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