'A space by and for all of us': UC opens Wellbeing Centre and Ponto UC
Located at the Student Hub, the new spaces aim to promote the wellbeing of the UC community through a holistic approach.
A space ‘by and for all of us.’ This was how Cristina Albuquerque, UC Vice-Rector for Teaching and Attractiveness, described the University of Coimbra (UC) Wellbeing Centre during the opening ceremony of the two new spaces, held on 10 September at the Student Hub auditorium.
Ponto UC will serve as the “gateway to the Student Hub” and, together, the two new spaces embody “the idea that it is good to work, study, live and feel part of the University of Coimbra,” according to the Vice-Rector.
The Wellbeing Centre was presented by Andreia Rodrigues (Student Hub team), and comprises eight areas: physical, emotional, social, environmental, financial, occupational, intellectual and spiritual. Open to the entire UC community, it aims to strengthen mental health, focus and resilience through practices such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence and social connection, and will also host activities such as yoga sessions, workshops, group discussions and round tables.
As for Ponto UC, Filipa Lima, also from the Student Hub team, says it is designed “to guide students throughout their entire academic journey at the University of Coimbra” and “and “aims to serve as a bridge to clarify doubts, such as directing students to services, but it also has a component of simply being there, just listening, paying attention during those more challenging moments of academic transition.” Open to all UC students, Ponto UC’s mission is to welcome, guide, empower and support.
According to UC Rector Amílcar Falcão, the Wellbeing Centre reflects “our ongoing efforts to put people at the heart of what we do” and is in line with the university's values. As for Ponto UC, he believes it "will make a real difference in the way student support is provided".
Learn more about the Wellbeing Centre here and about Ponto UC here.
