‘Bem Cuidar’ project to provide certified training for 500 home care assistants. Strengthening skills, increasing professional recognition and encouraging the continued development of home care assistants are the main objectives of the fifth edition of the Bem Cuidar project.
Taking place over the next three months, the initiative will provide training to approximately 500 professionals across Madeira.
Promoted by Causa Social – Association for the Promotion of Citizenship, this year’s programme includes certified training in first aid and the prevention and identification of senior citizen abuse. The aim is to give home care professionals the practical knowledge needed to respond more safely, effectively and confidently to the challenges they encounter in their daily work.
The new edition was formally launched on Monday with the signing of a programme contract between the Regional Government and Causa Social. The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Regional Secretariat for Inclusion, Labour and Youth.
The contract provides more than €100,000 in financial support for the project. The signing was attended by the Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Labour and Youth, Paula Margarido; the president of the Madeira Social Security Institute, Nivalda Gonçalves; and the president of Causa Social, Maria Martins, accompanied by the association’s treasurer, Maria Mendonça.
For the first time, Bem Cuidar will include formally certified training, improving the professional recognition of home care assistants while helping to raise the standard of support provided to elderly and dependent people in their own homes.
The programme is intended for professionals employed by Private Institutions of Social Solidarity (IPSS) and the Madeira Social Security Institute. Together, the approximately 500 home care assistants provide daily support to around 4,000 people throughout the Region.
“Investing in the qualifications of these professionals means investing in the quality of life of thousands of Madeirans who benefit from home support services every day,” Paula Margarido said. She further emphasised the fundamental role played by home care assistants in preventing social isolation and helping people remain in their familiar surroundings with greater dignity, comfort and independence.
“In its fifth edition, Bem Cuidar is reaching a new level by including certified training for the first time, enabling participants to acquire skills that are formally recognised and valued throughout their professional careers,” she concluded.
The training will be delivered in partnership with several regional organisations, including the Portuguese Red Cross, Casa do Povo de Santa Cruz, Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Calheta, the São Bento Social and Parish Centre and Ribeira Brava Municipal Council.
These organisations will provide logistical support and venues for training sessions held in different municipalities across Madeira.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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