Mental health highlighted in BALANCE activity for professionals at Cáritas Coimbra
On 20 April 2026, Cáritas Coimbra hosted a new performance of the play “Every Brilliant Thing”, featuring Joana Pupo and Catarina Sobral from Associação Mente de Cão, aimed at professionals. As part of the European BALANCE project, this initiative brought together 36 participants, sought to deepen reflection on mental health by addressing issues such as depression and suicide, their impact on young people and families, while also conveying a message of hope and appreciation for life. Through accessible language and a strong interactive component, this initiative highlights the potential of the arts as a tool for awareness-raising and education.
This initiative builds on previously implemented project activities, aimed at preparing professionals to support mental health promotion. The play is supported by the Portuguese Republic – Ministry of Culture, through the Garantir Cultura Programme, and holds the quality seal of the National Mental Health Programme.
The BALANCE project aims to promote mental health among young people aged 13 to 18. It is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme – CERV of the European Union and involves four partners: Cáritas Coimbra (Portugal), the Intermunicipal Community of Coimbra Region (Portugal), Fundació Ajuda i Esperança (Spain), and Fundesplai (Spain), the lead organization.
