The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity highlighted in Angra do Heroísmo the importance of an efficient preparation for “proper intervention in situations of increased psychological vulnerability” due to crisis or catastrophe.
 
“Our history shows us situations that the Azorean population has faced and overcome often as a result of adverse natural phenomena, but also due to other type of accidents," stated Andreia Cardoso. In this regard, she added that "the technicians and psychologists from the Institute for Social Security of the Azores - ISSA are called to intervene in these situations to provide psychosocial support to those in need; therefore, this training becomes essential to intervene in emergency situations.”
 
Andreia Cardoso spoke at the opening of the "Psychosocial in Crisis and Disaster Situations," a training course directed to technicians working at the Institute for Social Security of the Azores. On the occasion, she stated that this initiative is intended to "provide the ISSA staff with tools and strategies for intervention in the area of psychosocial support during situations of crisis and catastrophe, thereby improving the quality of the intervention with the population in need of this increasingly specialised response."
 
This training takes place until Wednesday on Terceira Island and includes video conferencing with Faial Island. It is being attended by 40 participants from Terceira, São Jorge, Graciosa, Faial, Pico and Flores.
 
The initiative will be also held on the island of São Miguel, on September 5, 6 and 9, and is expected to be attended by 60 ISSA technicians and psychologists from the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria.
 
The Secretary for Social Solidarity also stated that this training stemmed from the need felt by ISSA staff, taking into account the proximity work with populations in situations when their emotional state is fragile.
 
“We are sure that technicians will acquire knowledge and strategies towards an adequate intervention with competence and professionalism in situations when their action is needed in situations of crisis and catastrophe,” said Andreia Cardoso.