Residents in Pilar de la Horadada will benefit from a new community wellbeing initiative, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles (both physical and emotional) and social connection among the neighbours. The “Pilar Takes Care” programme (“El Pilar se cuida”) has been launched by the Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall’s Department of Health, and is part of a wider plan to improve health and wellbeing in the Community of Valencia.

Combining physical and emotional wellbeing in Pilar de la Horadada

The programme involves emotional wellbeing workshops in combination with guided walking routes, which will encourage residents to stay active, stay in touch with their mental health, and find a balance for their overall wellbeing. 

The workshops will aim to educate different population groups about managing emotions, self-care, how to reduce stress, how to improve social relationships, and how to foster coexistence in the community. The walks, on the other hand, will offer a fun challenge that people of all fitness levels will be able to take part in. The workshops will reinforce the idea that physical and mental health are often inseparable, and encourage the community to stay active.

A free programme to respond to a need for balance in the community

The programme was developed in response to last year’s health diagnosis findings in the municipality, which showed that emotional wellbeing was a growing priority for the citizens of Pilar de la Horadada and in the whole of Valencia. 

The activities in the programme will be free of charge and open to the public, and specific details about where and when the individual workshops will take place will be announced through the official communication channels of the Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall in the coming weeks.

The Pilar de la Horadada Town Council hopes that the initiative will inspire residents to take care of both their minds and bodies in a holistic approach to health, and that the residents will be provided with all the tools they need to manage their stress, find a balance in their lives, and stay active in their communities and neighbourhoods.

Younger and older residents of Pilar de la Horadada enjoyed a day of connection, fun, and bonding during the “Connecting Generations” workshop, a whole day where grandparents and grandchildren could spend time together, form intergenerational bonds, and have fun on a trip along the idyllic Costa Blanca. The workshop was organised by the Pilar de la Horadada Departments for Senior Citizens and Youth, and was a booming success.

Chocolate, a stroll along the Costa, and a family game night: The perfect day out

The day began with a visit to the local chocolatier shop, Chocolates Marcos Tonda, where the participants learned about the process of making chocolate. The experience included a tasting, and the families left with their sweet tooth satisfied.

Afterward, the group travelled along the Costa Blanca to Villajoyosa, with a stroll along the promenade to admire the beauty of this iconic and colourful town. There, the group had a delicious lunch and spent time together in a relaxed and humorous atmosphere.

The day continued in the Costa Blanca capital of Alicante, where the intergenerational group visited a modern and interactive museum. The group traversed the various exhibits, having fun as the younger visitors guided their grandparents through the interesting showcases.

Finally, the workshop concluded in Torrellano with a communal meal in the evening, complete with a game night. The game was heavily inspired by Spanish television programme Pasapalabra, and involved questions about Pilar de la Horadada. The questions, in keeping with the intergenerational theme, mixed modern and traditional questions. There was also a dance, where the grandparents and grandchildren shared the dance floor.

Success of this edition and upcoming initiatives to connect generations on the Costa

During the event, the participants received commemorative scarves labeled “Connecting Generations,” as well as a souvenir bottle to remember the fun of the day.

With the success and high participation of this edition, Pilar de la Horadada officials have already expressed intent to continue promoting similar initiatives and inspire intergenerational connection. It was a beautiful day along the Costa Blanca that strengthened interaction between younger and older residents of the town, and formed lasting family and social bonds.

The Chief Commissioner of the Local Police of Alicante, José María Conesa, has announced his departure due to his upcoming retirement after serving for 17 years as the head of the municipal body. The announcement was made during a ceremony held on Local Police Day, which was Friday, May 8, as Alicante celebrated an incredible 179 years of the local police service.

Deep gratitude and pride in having served the people of Alicante for nearly two decades

Chief Conesa, during the ceremony, expressed deep “gratitude” and “pride” in having been able to serve Alicante, and described it as “the greatest honour” of his professional career. Mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, praised Conesa’s service, citing remarkable commitment and loyalty to Alicante and to the safety of the public.

“José María Conesa has had a very long career serving the Local Police and the city of Alicante. Seventeen years directing and leading the force. I had the opportunity to share half of his term with him. I have never known another Local Police Chief,” said Mayor Barcala.

The mayor also praised the work of the officers. “Today, the Alicante Local Police enjoy a prestige it did not have a few decades ago, thanks to its professionalism and dedication to service.”

Chief Conesa ‘leaving with pride in this profession’

During his speech, Chief Conesa said, “[T]his moment has a very special meaning as this is the last year of my tenure before my retirement.” 

“Looking back, one realises that half a lifetime has been spent in the force, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the community.” He emphasised that he is leaving “with pride in this profession, for having shared this journey, and for having had the privilege of serving Alicante.”

In total, 73 officers were recognised during the ceremony for their work, as well as 11 individuals for their collaboration with the local police force. Medals were awarded to 21 police officers who have exceeded two decades of service, and diplomas were given to 9 retired officers.

The ceremony was attended by Alicante municipal officials, military authorities, and friends and loved ones of those honoured. In addition, the ceremony included a performance of the Local Police anthem by the Alicante Municipal Symphonic Band.

More than 70,000 interventions in the past year: Prioritising the safety of the citizens of Alicante

During the ceremony, the impressive number of interventions by the Alicante Local Police was revealed. In the past year, the safety officials and first responders handled more than 75,000 calls, resulting in more than 72,000 interventions. Additionally, the Local Police collaborated 620 times with the Spanish National Police and provided support to 512 victims of gender-based violence.