Góis council fights isolation with community project

The Góis council in Portugal launched the Aproximar Project to address social isolation and the needs of an aging population in sparsely populated areas.

Beginning in 2025, the project currently operates in four communities within the municipality. It provides regular activities for older residents, encouraging social interaction, community involvement, and wellbeing. The initiative received recognition in the 7th edition of the Autarquia do Ano. Grupo Mosqueteiros award. An initial assessment of the project showed positive results.

Of the 11 participants surveyed, eight reported feeling “much better” and three reported feeling “better” after joining the activities. The council developed the project by first identifying areas with the greatest need through a door-to-door initiative called Porta a Porta, part of the Radar Social Project, which assessed living conditions and vulnerabilities. Challenges in implementing Aproximar included the geographically dispersed population of Góis and the difficulty of initially engaging residents.

The council overcame these obstacles by building trust with the communities and working with local organizations like the Unidade de Cuidados na Comunidade Góis Vive and the GNR (National Republican Guard). They used community spaces and tailored activities to the interests and abilities of participants, creating a welcoming environment. The project has strengthened relationships between people and reduced social isolation among older residents.

A celebration of the project’s first anniversary brought together 19 participants from all four locations, reinforcing connections between different communities. The council plans to continue and potentially expand the project to other areas of Góis, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of its population.