The protocol signing ceremony took place in Lisbon during the meeting “CuiDar em Parceria” (Caring in Partnership), as part of the Informal Caregiver Week. The event was attended by the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho.
This pilot project aims to establish a Volunteer Pool to complement existing support services and improve the quality of life for informal caregivers. It recognizes the fundamental role they play in the daily care of dependent family members by providing short-term temporary absence periods through previously selected and trained volunteers.
Ponte de Lima was the municipality selected in the district of Viana do Castelo to participate in this initiative, which covers a total of 18 municipalities. The government's Caregiver Pool measure also includes the Social Response Pool, with addendums to cooperation agreements with solidarity sector institutions.
The pilot project will last for 12 months, during which its suitability, effectiveness, sustainability, and potential for future generalization will be monitored. The management of the Volunteer Pool will be the responsibility of the municipalities, in coordination with the Institute of Social Security.
