Andorra's Solà d'Enclar Mental Health Housing Opens with First Residents

Andorra's Solà d'Enclar mental health housing facility in Andorra la Vella welcomed its first two residents on Thursday, moving into apartments on the second floor designed for users with higher levels of autonomy.

Health Minister Helena Mas and Joan Soler, head of SAAS mental health services, showcased the centre to media earlier in the week. Located in the former Santa Coloma clinic or CREI building, it provides 15 to 21 places across two floors, addressing high property costs through affordable, supported rentals. Residents sign contracts with the National Housing Institute, with monthly payments up to €250 for apartments and €180 for rooms—though some sources indicate apartments may reach €350.

The second floor offers 5 to 9 places in independent apartments: two full units for two people each, two adapted units for up to two, one single-occupancy space, communal areas, laundry facilities, and staff offices. It targets those needing minimal oversight, clinical-social monitoring, and real-life skill-building, such as laundry or routines to prepare for studying, working, or fully independent living.

The third floor holds up to 12 places in nine rooms—three individual with bathrooms, three adapted individual with bathrooms, three adapted doubles with bathrooms—plus a shared kitchen, communal spaces, and staff areas. This level supports users requiring more intensive help with daily tasks like housing management, personal care, and service access.

A multidisciplinary SAAS team, currently recruiting, provides round-the-clock support and external activities on both floors. A committee evaluates and monitors cases, with stays typically lasting months rather than years to promote community integration. Users may come from addiction services, child and youth services upon reaching adulthood, general mental health, day hospitals, or inpatient units.

Mas framed the centre as a key step in the government's mental health strategy, shifting from hospital-centric care to person-centred, community-based models alongside facilities like Ròdol and the forthcoming Sant Lluís centre in La Seu d'Urgell. Soler stressed gradual filling to maintain high-quality care, with no immediate plans for additional intakes. Adaptations, including wood finishes, large windows for natural light, and safety features, cost around €320,000, involving SAAS, the housing institute, and the Territory and Urbanism Ministry. The housing institute handles building maintenance and rentals, while SAAS oversees clinical support.