Mindfulness Program for Madeira Youth Expands with Success
Madeira GuideSESARAM's mindfulness initiative reaches 60 children and young adults in Madeira, aiming to enhance emotional regulation and well-being through innovative techniques.
In an effort to foster emotional well-being among the younger population, the Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira (SESARAM) has implemented a successful mindfulness program that now includes 60 children and young adults from Madeira. This initiative, primarily aimed at teaching mindfulness and compassion, has been expanded following promising pilot results.
The program involves students from Escola EB1/PE and Creche Eng.º Luís Santos Costas in Machico, as well as the Escola Básica e Secundária de Santa Cruz. The sessions, led by clinical psychologists Paula Chapéu and Círia Correia, are designed to improve emotional regulation and well-being through a series of multidisciplinary activities.
Initially trialed at the Escola Básica e Secundária de Santa Cruz, the program's success has encouraged SESARAM to broaden its reach. In Machico, 41 preschool and fourth-grade students are participating, while in Santa Cruz, 19 students aged 16 to 18 from professional courses in Sports and IT Education are involved.
Participants engage with various tools and techniques aimed at reducing anxiety, stress, and depression, while enhancing emotional intelligence. The program also emphasizes collaboration with school psychologists and teachers, as well as health psychologists from local centers.
SESARAM highlights the importance of such initiatives, noting the significant benefits in mental health, including prevention of emotional disorders and development of emotional regulation skills. This program aligns with SESARAM's priorities in promoting mental health across the region.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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