On 27th March, the Social Responsibility Office of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) and CASA - Homeless Support Centre joined forces to promote the personal development of women in vulnerable situations.

The Personal Development Workshop for Women Supported by CASA - Homeless Support Centre, led by Rita Paiva e Pona, UCP Rector's Advisor for Social Responsibility and Coordinator of the Social Responsibility Office, focused mainly on women in the active job search phase. Six women supported by CASA took part in the workshop, which provided a safe and cosy space to explore personal development strategies and discuss effective job search methods.

Highlighting the dedication and availability of the organisers, Francisco Rebolho, a psychologist at CASA, emphasises the importance of the initiative: "(...) what is certain is that after the training, people leave it happy and wanting to do more. It's a time when they can invest in themselves and think about the future in a different light, and your help has been fundamental in this process."

Rita Paiva e Pona also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to organise the session, describing it as a rewarding and enriching experience. "I learnt about very different life paths, their dreams and shared some strategies aimed at effective job-seeking, in a very welcoming and participatory atmosphere. It was undoubtedly a concrete opportunity to put the University at the service of the community and those around us."

This event, which is part of the cycle of workshops at CASA - the Homeless Support Centre, highlights the Universidade Católica commitment to social responsibility and the transformative power of personal development and education in promoting well-being and social inclusion.