The Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity highlighted today the work of Private Social Solidarity Institutions in supporting local and neighbouring communities, whose services have reached an ever-increasing number of people.

Andreia Cardoso spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the Espírito Santo Community Centre in Vila Nova, municipality of Praia da Vitória, considering that it is a very proactive institution in the northern part of Terceira Island. It has signed protocols with several institutions for the provision of meals and laundry services, “being a good example for that very reason.”

"The human resources and the technical board of this institution have contributed to the expansion of its services, reaching an ever-growing number of people," added the Secretary.

On the occasion, the government official delivered a nine-seat vehicle under the second phase of the "Solidarity in Motion" programme, representing an investment from the Regional Government amounting to more than 22 thousand Euros.

"This vehicle is a response to the needs of the institution's Social Centre and Home Support Services. It will mainly benefit the elderly population, as it will reinforce the support provided to this target group, through these social responses," stressed Andreia Cardoso.

The Regional Secretary mentioned that, through the "Solidarity in Motion" programme, the Regional Government has already delivered 40 vehicles to various Private Social Solidarity Institutions in the Azores and to Santa Casa da Misericórdia institutions, which corresponds to an investment of 1.2 million Euros.

As part of the visits to accompany the various institutions, Andreia Cardoso also visited today the Santa Bárbara Community Centre in Angra do Heroísmo, where she highlighted the preparation of the existing areas and intergenerational spaces for an adequate response according with the standards implemented in the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is important to note the increase in the capacity of the Free Time Activities of this Community Centre that will provide another 20 vacancies. They will be made available in September and represent a relevant response in the western part of Terceira Island," said the government official.

"It is this dynamic that the Regional Government of the Azores has been supporting. These are the partnerships that are really important to us and that we want to continue to stimulate," noted Andreia Cardoso.