Tenerife to Introduce Psychological Support Voucher for Youth in 2027
The Cabildo of Tenerife has announced a new initiative aimed at providing psychological support to young residents on the island. The scheme, which will launch in 2027, will start with a budget of €500,000, with intentions to increase funding to €1 million.
President Rosa Dávila, who revealed the initiative alongside Vice-President Lope Afonso on Wednesday, outlined plans during a press conference revealing the 2027 budget forecasts. The budget is projected to reach €1.412 billion, set to take effect from 1 January 2027.
Dávila explained that the vouchers aim to reduce the need for psychological support among young people, enabling access to multiple therapy sessions and helping to alleviate waiting lists in this critical area of mental health prevention.
2027 Budget Overview
The overall budget for 2027 is 7.7% higher than 2026 and 30.3% more than in 2023. This includes an additional €35 million for strategic investments in infrastructure, mobility, and sports facilities.
A significant focus will be on housing, with funding for housing policies expected to rise to €36 million, a staggering 137.6% increase compared to 2026. This will also include eight new agreements for the construction of public housing and nearly €1 million allocated for housing rehabilitation on the island.
In the social action sector, the budget exceeds €400 million, increasing by 9% from the previous year. Highlights include an extra €33 million for vulnerable groups and new resources for those in need of support.
The island’s investment will also see nearly €42 million allocated towards services for dependency and child welfare. This includes €2.7 million for mental health and addiction prevention programmes. Initiatives such as the FARO project, which receives €1.2 million, and the PULSO project, using football for preventive measures, will also be among the funded programs.
Moreover, the government pledges over €200,000 to prevent suicidal thoughts among students, with the psychological support voucher set to assist around 1,135 vulnerable youth.
Job Creation and Educational Opportunities
A total of €20 million has been earmarked for job creation, providing over 200 new graduates with their first professional experiences.
In education, the budget allocates €12 million, focusing on enhancing the dual Baccalaureate programme. Additionally, €5 million will be spent on creating shaded areas in over 70 schools, and €3 million will support students with special needs.
Support for youth will also expand, including the enhancement of the Insular Network of Youth Houses and resources for initiatives in smaller municipalities.
Finally, the equality budget sees a 17.6% increase, with €300,000 to fund equal opportunity projects and €190,000 for accommodation resources for homeless LGBTIQA+ individuals, along with €3.2 million dedicated to reviving traditional crafts and promoting the textile sector.
