SHINE 2Europe took part in the 43rd Portuguese Congress of Geriatrics and Gerontology, leading a session dedicated to the innovative approach of social prescription. Miriam Cabrita, researcher and project manager at SHINE, represented SHINE on the first day of the conference held at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon on 15 November.
During this remarkable session, SHINE shared the stage with Sónia Dias, Director of the National School of Public Health, who provided a historical analysis of the emergence of social prescribing in Europe, with a special focus on Portugal, as well as its current state of implementation. The presentation addressed the reasons why social prescribing is key to improving the health and well-being of communities, highlighting its benefits for individuals, communities and the health system as a whole.
Sónia Dias highlighted the C.O.P.E. project’s innovative approach to social prescription, an initiative funded by the European Commission under EaSI, the European Programme for Employment and Social Innovation, with the participation of SHINE and the National School of Public Health. The project aims to support the reintegration of NEETs, young people excluded from training programmes, study and the job market.
At C.O.P.E., through social prescription, the aim is to reach out to these young people, recommending non-medical activities to promote social integration, skills development and improved well-being. These activities can include participation in training programmes, vocational courses, capacity-building workshops, as well as involvement in clubs, associations, community programmes or voluntary actions, thus promoting social inclusion and civic participation.
In addition to the significant sharing of knowledge, this congress provided a valuable opportunity for interaction between professionals, experts and stakeholders in the field of geriatrics and gerontology, fostering discussions and potential collaborations on future initiatives.