Wellbeing@UC returns to reinforce the importance of psychological health and work–life balance

The University of Coimbra (UC) is placing wellbeing at the heart of its agenda once again with the third edition of Wellbeing@UC, taking place on 3 and 5 November 2025. As highlighted by Helena Matos, Director of UC's Human Resources Management Service, the initiative seeks to "raise shared awareness of the importance of caring for and promoting psychological health".

Over two days, participants will take part in lectures and workshops on positive communication, slow living, therapeutic writing, and technology management, gaining “knowledge and tools in areas that affect wellbeing levels.”

According to Helena Matos, the programme was designed to help each participant “use the technique that best suits their life and context,” while also providing “a space for connection and sharing.”

At the opening session, UC Administrator Luís Bento Rodrigues underlined that the event “is not a standalone initiative but a defining part of our identity,” reflecting the belief that “the University’s success is intrinsically linked to the quality of life of those who serve it.”

He stressed the importance of “a mindful and proactive approach to sustaining effort,” noting that “as the pace of work increases, our focus on wellbeing and psychological health must be both our main response and our greatest investment.”

With around 400 participants, Wellbeing@UC includes sessions on longevity, work–life balance, and active ageing, featuring experts Isabel Silva, Ivone Patrão, and Tânia Gaspar.

In closing, Luís Bento Rodrigues called for shared responsibility: “Wellbeing is, above all, a personal decision and a collective challenge. It is not enough for UC to promote it; each of us must adopt and nurture a culture of support and empathy.”