The event, organized by UCC Cacém Care of ULS Amadora/Sintra, served as a platform for reflection and experience sharing on challenges in the field of childhood and youth. Professionals from Health, Education, and intervention entities participated actively, exchanging knowledge and promoting multidisciplinary dialogue focused on prevention and networking.
The opening session was attended by figures such as Ana Miranda, Clinical Director of Primary Healthcare of ULS Amadora/Sintra, Benvinda Santos, Coordinator of the School Health Program of ULS Amadora/Sintra, and Cátia Pereira, Coordinator of UCC Cacém Care. The meeting unfolded into three thematic panels focusing on different aspects of child and youth well-being.
The first panel, titled “Beyond Words: Brain, Environment, and Protection,” was moderated by Lara Monteiro. It covered topics such as “The Developing Brain: Affection, Neglect, and the Architecture of Early Connections,” presented by Ana Bárbara Santos; “Excessive Screens: Impact on Development and Psychological Well-being,” by Pedro Aires Fernandes; and “Protecting to Care: Limits and Potential of the CPCJ,” by Vera Santos Costa.
The second panel, “Navigating Adolescence: Emotions, Body, and Risk Behaviors,” moderated by Ana Lúcia Dionísio, featured interventions on “Youth Anxiety: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Intervene in School” by Maria Monteiro; “When the Body Speaks: Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Social Media” by Daniela Simões; and “Vapes: From Social Normalization to Real Harm” by Ricardo Afonso.
In the afternoon, the panel “Growing Between Worlds: The Challenges of the Migrant Child” was moderated by José Cardoso. Participants included Frederico Eça, from the Sintra Municipal Council, with “The Welcoming School: Language, Bullying, and Intercultural Education”; Marta Mendes, from the Association for Community Development, with “Rupture and Reconstruction: Family, Foster Care, and Emotional Security”; and Andreia Furtado, from the Aga Khan Foundation, with “From the Migratory Journey to Protection”.
Andreia Bernardo, Councilor of the Sintra Municipal Council responsible for Health and Education, highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration among partners to address the health needs of children and young people.
The meeting strengthened the collaboration between professionals and entities supporting children, youth, and families, emphasizing the need for integrated responses to promote community health and well-being. This initiative continues the work of UCC Cacém Care in creating spaces for dialogue and reflection, aiming to enhance health literacy and foster more coordinated interventions with the school community and institutions working in childhood and youth in Agualva-Cacém.
