Social policies are crucial to fight isolation, says Andreia Cardoso

The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated in Lagoa that the implementation of social policies is "decisive" to fight loneliness, noting that this has been a main concern in the Government's action.

"It is precisely these concerns and these fundamental aspects of life in the communities that the Regional Government has sought to address through the implementation of its social policies," said Andreia Cardoso. In this context, the government official pointed out the development of the Regional Network of Social Infrastructures as the main response to isolation and exclusion of several age groups.

"Few emotions are as severe as isolation. The absence of rewarding social interactions and relationships for us that are social beings can be truly heartbreaking," stressed Andreia Cardoso. The government official spoke Friday at the closing of the public session "Challenges of Solitude," which she presided over on behalf of the President of the Government.

For the Regional Secretary, "social policies, as the practical application of the results of the study of human well-being are fundamental to tackle this phenomenon."

The government official stressed that the well-being of the Azorean population is the "guiding principle of countless programmes designed to encourage active participation in the community, volunteering, active ageing, intergenerational meetings, and the sharing of experiences." In this context, she pointed out the programmes "Meus Açores, Meus Amores" (My Azores, My Love), developed in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Transport, or " Voluntary School+," developed in collaboration with the Regional Directorates for Education and Youth.