Strasbourg – Until September 11, the European Parliament’s Emilio Colombo Hall is hosting the photo exhibition “I Need Myself. Snapshots of Independence”, organized by the Lautari Therapeutic Community.

The exhibition is accompanied by the presentation of the second volume of Ho bisogno di me, edited by journalist Giuseppe Spatola, featuring 33 photographs by Beppe and Mila Prandelli, each paired with a personal story of recovery.

At the opening in Strasbourg, MEP Paolo Inselvini and Lautari president Andrea Bonomelli spoke about the project’s symbolic value. “These images are not just pictures, they are stories of life. Behind every face and every gesture is the strength of someone who chose to stand up again and believe in themselves,” Bonomelli said.

Thirteen photos on display document the everyday moments and activities of young people welcomed into the community, offering an authentic look at life inside Lautari. The initiative also marks Lautari’s 33 years of activity, with centers now in Pozzolengo, Rome, Como, Pordenone, Florence, and Naples.

“We wanted to bring to Europe, after the Senate and the Lombardy Regional Council, a message of hope and trust,” Bonomelli added, “because the fight against addiction is not only about treatment, but above all about restoring dignity, responsibility, and autonomy.”