The President of the Government announced on Jorge that the Azores will provide this year about 80 vacancies in social facilities to support disabled citizens. These new vacancies represent an investment over seven million Euros in social infrastructures, as planned in the Regional Public Works Charter, and reinforce social cohesion in the archipelago.

"We are aware that this alliance of goodwill and the partnerships established between public and Private Social Solidarity Institutions that have achieved results at the level of social cohesion," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke at the opening of recovery and adaptation works of the old Cunha da Silveira Boarding School building for the installation of an Occupational Activity Centre and Residential Home.

In his speech, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that, similarly to what happened today on São Jorge and on islands of Terceira, São Miguel or Graciosa, the Government is reinforcing this year the social responses directed to citizens with disabilities, such the case of occupational activities centres, residential homes and other support infrastructures.

During the ceremony, the President of the Government highlighted the spirit of partnership and service that demonstrated between "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Velas and the Association for Support of Children with Special Education Needs as well as between these institutions and the Government of the Azores. The Occupational Activity Centre has a capacity for 20 users, while the Residential Home has a capacity for nine users.

"This aspect is relevant because the path followed by the Region in terms of the creation of conditions to support those who are in a more vulnerable situation is result of efforts undertaken by the Government as well as of the joint efforts between public and private entities," said the President of the Government.

Vasco Cordeiro stressed that this effort is evidenced by the fact that, between 2014 and 2015, the funds specifically aimed at the support of disabled citizens registered an increase of 400 percent.

"Today, there is a total of three million Euros allocated to the support measures for people with disabilities, whose impact is enhanced thanks to the collaboration with several entities," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government also ensured that these measures also aim to support, directly and indirectly, those who have the responsibility to care for these citizens.

"In this context, the Region is implementing the Regional Programme for the Restructuring of Home Support Services with the purpose of providing follow-up support to all caregivers, namely those who care for people with special needs, so that they can reconcile their family lives with their professional commitments. It also aims to provide all the psychosocial support that caregivers may need, thus ensuring the well-being and comfort of all family members," said Vasco Cordeiro.

 The President of the Government defended that this effort undertaken by the Azorean Government in social policies must continue. According to him, the "State cannot agree with the views of some who defend that the support to these areas should be reduced. However, it plays an important role in the efforts to, within the reach of our resources and powers, accomplish the goal of leaving no one behind."