Project coordinator, nurse Sarah Barbosa, told JN that with the funding raised from the Caixa Social 2023 award (from Caixa Geral de Depósitos), NoStress will be implemented in 10 more classrooms in the municipality, during the current academic year, and select schools. Models are still being evaluated.
The team at Casa de Saúde, a facility of the Sisters Hospitallers dedicated to mental illness, includes specialist mental health nurses and clinical psychologists, and targets students, parents and teachers.
The NoStress/Braga program includes 12 face-to-face sessions, carried out weekly by the team, in the classroom and in the presence of the teacher. Concepts such as mental health versus mental illness, emotional self-regulation, empathy, relaxation, mindfulness, hope, and self-esteem are worked on.
“The initiative has proven to be a very effective program to promote mental health, by promoting increased knowledge of mental health and social behavior, through effective and positive coping strategies,” says Sarah Barbosa, emphasizing that there were “improvements also in emotional and behavioral symptoms.” Problems, hyperactivity, and anxiety.”
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
