Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended the First National Meeting of Casas do Povo (Social Solidarity Institutions) held today in Ribeira Grande, highlighting the decisive role these institutions play in social cohesion and community support.

In her speech, the government official praised the work carried out by institutions in the social sector every day, emphasising the Regional Government's commitment to supporting innovative projects that make a difference in the lives of the Azoreans, especially the most vulnerable.

Mónica Seidi presented indicators demonstrating the growth and consolidation of the regional social network. The number of social responses remains stable overall, currently standing at 715. However, there has been a significant increase in installed capacity and the frequency of beneficiaries: there were 34,881 places available in 2024, 556 more than in 2020, and 25,848 beneficiaries using social responses, representing an increase of 1,474 people.

In the area of childhood and youth, accounting for 45% of social responses, there was also a significant increase: eight more social responses, 946 more vacancies available and 1,792 more children benefiting from these services compared to 2020.

"These figures demonstrate that we are reaching more Azoreans and supporting those who need it most," stressed the government official. 

For the Regional Secretary, this growth is also associated with a significant increase in public investment, as the amount invested in cooperation contracts for the operation of social responses rose from €96.3 million in 2020 to €130.7 million in 2024, representing a growth of 48.2%.

The government official also highlighted the importance of Casas do Povo in the regional social sector, present in six of the nine islands of the Azores, representing 131 social responses and covering 4,170 beneficiaries in 2025.

In 2025, investment in Casas do Povo, within the scope of Customer Value Cooperation Agreements and cooperation agreements in the area of inclusion, exceeded €10 million.

“It is time to reflect, celebrate what went well and correct what can be improved. Networking, with the Institute for Social Security of the Azores as the driving force, should evolve with a view to optimising resources, sustainability and improving the quality of services provided," Mónica Seidi stated, calling for collective responsibility from all partners. She maintained that only through joint commitment will it be possible to improve the individual response to social sector beneficiaries in the Region.