Restoring dignity and confidence

Maison de Solenn

This innovative project for taking overall care of distressed young people aged between 12 and 19 is designed to respond to a major public health issue. Because the care of teenagers in hospitals requires suitable structures, the Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France, chaired by Mme Bernadette Chirac, created the Maison de Solenn in 2004, with support from the association "Les Amis de la Maison de Solenn - Maison des adolescents". It helps teenagers suffering from eating disorders (99% of whom are girls), school phobias (70% of whom are boys), anxiety/depression and paediatric disorders.

The L’Oréal Foundation provides make-up workshops with a socio-aesthetician. These workshops are part of a general therapeutic approach ensuring that hospitalisation is not experienced as a rupture in a teenager's life, through the rehabilitation of his/her psychic and sensorial functions. These In 2009, 93 teenagers participated in the weekly workshops which enabled them to become aware of their bodies by working on their image and self-esteem.

The half-day workshops are for three teens at a time, and require a medical prescription. A hairdressing workshop is proposed once a week, run by the L’Oréal Professional Products Division.

For more information visit www.mda.aphp.fr