The context
The problem we observed
Up to 40% of people experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives — in Spain and around the world. Yet while mental wellbeing is a basic human right, public systems are overwhelmed and lack the capacity to provide inclusive, community-based care.
As a result, mental health support remains out of reach for many — especially refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, survivors of violence, and others facing social exclusion. Those most in need are often left without the high quality care they deserve.
Our response
The solution we created
Recognising the urgent need for accessible mental health support, Iguality was founded in August 2022 by psychologists Luciana and Alex, sociologist Marta, and social worker Vincent. They built a network of volunteer therapists offering free weekly individual and group therapy, both online and in person.
As the organisation grew, Iguality expanded its services to offer holistic care — combining therapy with group sports, physiotherapy, LGBTQ+ support, legal guidance, and community advocacy. Our approach bridges personal wellbeing with collective empowerment, ensuring care is not only free, but inclusive, consistent, and rooted in social justice.
What we do
3 Essential Pillars
Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
Our volunteer therapists provide individual and group support, complemented by social work and partnerships that strengthen holistic care.
Sports and Social Belonging
Through weekly football, running and other sports activities, we promote community building and foster both mental and physical wellbeing.
Advocacy & Awareness Raising
Our work enables us to give a voice to the communities we serve and raise awareness about the importance of accessible mental health care.
Philosophy
Our core beliefs
Mission
We inspire and mobilise individuals, communities, organisations and governments to foster and promote equal access to mental health care through innovative programs, specialised training and active promotion of societal justice.
Vision
We seek a society that allows anyone to fulfil their own purpose and goals in absence of prejudice, discrimination and precarity, and where justice and fairness are the guiding principles to lead communities, organisations and governments.
Our community
Whom do we work for and with?
We offer our services to anyone who is in a more disadvantaged situation, and who cannot afford private mental health care. In practice, this means we often work with the following communities:
Migrants and Refugees
Many migrants and refugees experience anxiety and depression due to displacement and cultural adjustment, and our services help them navigate these challenges with resilience.
LGBTQ+ Individuals
LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination and social isolation, leading to increased risks of mental health issues, and we provide affirming care to foster their well-being.
Victims of Domestic Violence
Survivors of domestic violence frequently deal with PTSD and anxiety, and we offer support to help them heal and rebuild their lives in a safe environment.
People facing Unemployment and Poverty
Those facing unemployment and poverty often experience significant stress and hopelessness, and we empower them through mental health support and coping strategies.
Youth at Risk of Social Exclusion
Young people at risk of social exclusion struggle with low self-esteem and anxiety, and we provide care to help them build confidence and connections for a brighter future.
In addition to our targeted services, we ensure that our public events and activities are open to all, fostering a broader understanding of mental health and social justice.
INCLUSIVE CARE
Standing with displaced people
Most of the people we support are migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers. Our teams provide inclusive, culturally sensitive care that respects each person’s story and identity, and, if possible, their language(s). For example, we work with the:
- Ukrainian community
- Venezuelan community
- Palestinian community
- Syrian community
These serve as examples, we work with any other community where support is needed.
Ethics
Our core values
Equity
We uphold equity as a core principle, ensuring fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all.
Justice
We envision a fair and just world where everyone is valued, respected, and included.
Diversity
We celebrate diversity as a source of strength, enriching and enhancing all that we do.
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability, building trust for our community and supporters.
Empathy
We believe understanding and valuing others’ perspectives is key to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Care model
Our guiding principles
Accessibility
Mental health care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income, social status or background.
Quality
Mental health care should be of high quality and provided by qualified and dedicated professionals.
Inclusivity
Mental health care should be provided in a supportive, safeguarded and inclusive environment.
Ingenuity
Mental health care in a world guided by technology should be based on social innovation.
People
Our Founders & Board of Directors
Luciana Wachockier
Clinical Psychologist
Alex Duran
Clinical Psychologist
Vincent van Grondelle
Social Worker
Marta Hormaechea
Sociologist
our main support
Official sponsors & donors
Mentions
Iguality in the media
““For Iguality, technology is not just a tool, it is a vehicle for social change”
Article by Esther Paniagua
“Iguality Reaches Major Milestones and Secures Funding for Future Growth”
Press Release during the Web Summit 2024
Take action
Contribute to our work
Become a donor or member and contribute to our work, and stay up to date on our work and impact. Only with your support we can make a real difference for people in need of mental health support.