Volunteer in the Projeto VIDA – Voluntariado na Católica, a project of the Social Responsibility Office (GRS), Joana Marques Gomes, a 1st-year student of the Communication and Cultural Sciences Bachelor’s, has been collaborating with "Pedalar Sem Idade" since January this year.

"Volunteering is an essential tool in our lives, it helps us grow, find our place in society, and develop a feeling that I consider essential, empathy with others," says Joana about the importance of volunteering in her life.

The choice of this institution was made according to Joana's profile, availability, and personal interests. The activity consists in driving a trishaw through the city in order to fight loneliness and isolation among the elderly and people with reduced mobility.

Joana also mentions that "it is extremely rewarding the joy with which this activity is done, realizing that an hour of our time can make someone's day or even week".

The Projeto VIDA has its applications open all year round and has around 50 partner institutions from various areas of intervention. If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer, get in touch with the Social Responsibility Office team through the following contacts: voluntariado.sede@ucp.pt or 21 721 40 00.