The Portuguese HAND:ET team consists of 7 trainers and the training is implemented in schools across the country, including school groups in Portimão, Cercal do Alentejo, Lisbon and Vale do Tejo, Leiria, Aveiro and on the São Miguel island in the Azores. Overall, 13 school groups are participating, including in a total of 152 teachers, directors and other professionals. Training started in mid-September 2022 and will proceed until the end of the school year, with sessions interspersed between face-to-face and online.

Teachers have shown great interest and involvement throughout the program so far and the team plans to hold an event at the end of the program where some of the work carried out by participating teachers will be presented. The ULisbon HAND:ET team is pleasantly surprised by the involvement and motivation of the teachers who participate in the training, they shared:

“I am surprised by the motivation and involvement of my groups, they are implementing activities with their students, with a view to promoting their wellbeing” Gina Tomé

“Despite the discouraging professional situation in which Portuguese teachers find themselves, it is incredible how they continue to be willing and motivated to do something that improves the environment and promotes the wellbeing and mental health of teachers and students in schools.” Inês Camacho