La Bonne Semence 2 is a high-assistance rehabilitation community (SRP1-CRA) located in Valpiana - Serina. It was the first facility in Lombardy dedicated to welcoming individuals with psychiatric disorders from judicial backgrounds, such as ex OPGs (Judicial Psychiatric Hospitals), those under legal protection measures, or individuals coming from REMS (the new structures replacing OPGs).
The community welcomes individuals who, in addition to requiring psychiatric care, are subject to security measures. It can also accommodate people with psychiatric disorders.
Requests must be made through the CPS (Psychosocial Center), in agreement with REMS and/or the Judiciary. Each request is evaluated by the community's medical director.
The community combines psychiatric care with social reintegration pathways. We work in partnership with regional health institutions, hospitals, territorial services, and the judiciary to provide a safe and recovery-focused environment for our residents.
All care plans are regularly reviewed with the CPS and the UEPE (External Penitentiary Execution Office). The team also consults with specialized services as needed.
Life in the community is organized around daily activities, including sports (pool, volleyball), yoga, woodworking workshops, film screenings, and more. The team is present 24/7, including on holidays.
The goal is to prepare individuals for reintegration into society, focusing on housing and employment autonomy, supported by the cooperative’s services, which address all aspects of daily life.
La Bonne Semence 2 opened in 2011 in response to the urgent need for specialized facilities for individuals transitioning out of former OPGs (Judicial Psychiatric Hospitals). This community was established during the national and regional process of dismantling OPGs, thanks to collaboration with national and regional experts in the healthcare and legal sectors.
Upon entering the community, a sense of tranquility fills the air, offering time for self-reflection and inner peace. Rituals play a key role in helping individuals find a new mental order and balance in their daily lives. "Being present" in the simplicity of everyday life, even in silence, becomes a path to healing and growth.
Every day, the community follows certain ritual moments that support residents in regaining calm and stability, including:
Every day at 10:30 AM, everyone gathers in the community lounge - residents and staff alike, no one excluded.
The staff member places a tray with coffee or herbal tea at the center. Three chimes of the bell signal the start of the coffee ritual. One by one, everyone takes their cup, waits until all have been served, drinks, and shares the moment together.
Once everyone has finished their beverage, each person, in turn, places their cup or glass back on the tray, concluding the communal moment. On certain days of the week, the ritual continues with a moment of sharing.
From the moment the community was founded, the awareness bell has marked the days of those who live here.
The Tibetan bell rings at 7:30 AM to signal waking time, as well as 10 minutes before meals and before the reading of the sutra. Its symbolic sound helps everyone - residents and staff alike - regain calm and reconnect with themselves.
This food is a gift from the entire Universe: Earth, Sky, and much hard work.
May we eat with full awareness, so that we may be worthy to receive it.
May we transform unhealthy mental states and learn to eat with moderation.
May we only consume food that nourishes us and prevents illness.
We accept this food to walk the path of Understanding and Love.
These words are read by a community resident before every meal. During the meal service, everyone remains in silence, in respect for others and the food that has been prepared.