- About us
Press release
Mónica Seidi secures Regional Government's support for new Ribeirinha Social Centre
Public tender launched for refurbishment of daycare centre in Santa Cruz das Flores
The Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity (DRSS) is the service of the Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity whose mission is to propose, coordinate and assess the Regional Government's policies on solidarity, volunteering and equal opportunities, contributing to a more cohesive and inclusive Region.
In this effort to expand and improve social support measures, through the implementation of social intervention policies and the improvement of services and equipment, the DRSS relies on the collaboration of regional public institutes with jurisdiction in social security and solidarity matters. Additionally, it counts on the collaboration of all Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) and other entities promoting equal opportunities.
We want to continue providing the best responses to the needs of Azoreans, and in this context the Regional Network of Social Infrastructures and Responses was created in the Azores bearing in mind the needs of people and families.
This space is yours! Collaborate with us by submitting your proposals, suggestions and feedback.
June 23, 2026
Press release
As regards the news reports concerning the opening of the new Training Centre for Inclusion (CACI) and the Residential Care Home run by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santo António da Lagoa, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify the following: Firstly, the building’s energy certification process is yet to be completed, which is a mandatory requirement for the subsequent stages of the procedure. This procedure depends on the involvement of a qualified expert appointed for this purpose and, therefore, does not fall within the remit of the Government of the Azores or its departments. Consequently, the claim that the facility has not opened due to a lack of a cooperation agreement or staff recruitment is untrue. Until all the necessary legal and technical requirements have been met, it is not possible to proceed to the next stages of the process. It is also important to note that the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity and the Institute for Social Security of the Azores have been closely and continuously monitoring this process, in coordination with the institution, providing the necessary support to ensure that all procedures are completed as quickly as possible. The works have now been completed. However, the operation of these social services requires full compliance with the applicable legal obligations, with a view to safeguarding safety, service quality and the interests of future users. Accordingly, the claim that the facility remains closed solely due to a lack of a cooperation agreement does not reflect the facts. At present, there is a prior legal impediment preventing the facility from becoming operational. The Regional Government of the Azores remains committed to monitoring this process, ensuring that the new CACI and Residential Care Home of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santo António da Lagoa become operational as soon as all the necessary legal and technical conditions have been met.
January 27, 2026
Mónica Seidi secures Regional Government's support for new Ribeirinha Social Centre
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, highlighted today the importance of the project to create a new day centre in the parish of Ribeirinha, Terceira Island, a long-standing ambition of the local community aimed at responding to a need identified over many years. In this regard, to ensure the project moves forward, the promoting institution was asked to review it to confirm that it meets all necessary conditions for eventual approval under the current Community support framework. "We want this to be a solid and well-structured project that fully complies with current legal and financial regulations, so that it can be implemented and effectively serve the population of Ribeirinha and Terceira Island," stated Mónica Seidi. Considering the cost update associated with the general rise in prices in the construction sector, the planned investment for this project, financed under PO2030, amounts to about €2 million, with the respective implementation project still pending. The government official also mentioned that the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity (DRSS), has provided the necessary technical support to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements for licensing this type of social service in Ribeirinha. It meets the minimum requirements for creating a Day Centre, with an installed capacity for 25 users. During a visit to the Ribeirinha Social Centre, the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security emphasised the importance of local social services, particularly day centres, in supporting the elderly population of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Day centres are an essential social response for people over 65, providing social support, promoting a range of occupational, social and recreational activities, and providing essential basic care to users' well-being. These responses also mitigate social isolation and encourage active and dignified ageing, aligning with European Union guidelines, which prioritise community-centred and proximity-based social responses. For Mónica Seidi, "day centres play a decisive role in promoting independent living among elderly people, allowing them to stay in their familiar environment and their homes for as long as possible." At the end of 2025, a total of 447 users were attending the Day Centre social service in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, corresponding to an occupancy rate of 71.1%, demonstrating the relevance and growing demand for this type of social service in the context of the ageing population in the Region. The Regional Government remains firmly committed to the elderly population, which is reflected, among other measures, in the payment of the Regional Pension Supplement, with further positive updates in 2026, including increases of up to 15%, reinforcing social protection and the income of regional pensioners.