Latest news and stories about expat wellbeing in Coimbra, Portugal for expats and residents.
A Portuguese municipality has launched a language initiative aimed at facilitating the social and professional integration of expatriates through structured learning programs.
In Coimbra, local authorities have evacuated three thousand residents due to the imminent risk of dyke collapse, as persistent rain is expected in the North and Centre regions of Portugal. This article provides real-time updates on the weather conditions affecting the area.
The Coimbra City Council signed a collaboration protocol today with several institutions to prepare, conduct, and monitor a Citizens' Assembly on the topic of retaining young people in the region, promoting civic participation and public debate.
This is a commitment and a goal that we will have to achieve together, said Secretary of State for Sport Pedro Dias.
The new service, integrated into Ponto UC, launches with 15 partners and offers personalised paths for students. UC states this is a novelty in a university context.
Paulo Rangel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke to journalists in Lousã regarding the Portuguese citizens missing after the flash floods that affected China and Nepal.
The University of Coimbra (UC) states that from the moment it received reports from this student, it “immediately provided support through the competent services and entities,” specifically psychological assistance.
More than a hundred elderly people in Penacova, in the Coimbra district, are supported by the “Estou CãoTigo” project, which aims to combat loneliness, social isolation, and the grieving process through dog-assisted interventions.
The “Estou CãoTigo” initiative is developed by the Beira Aguieira Association for the Support of the Visually Impaired.
Home News Dogs help elderly people in Portugal combat isolation and grief Dogs help elderly people in Portugal combat isolation and grief More than a hundred elderly people in Penacova, in the Coimbra district, are supported by the “Estou CãoTigo” project, which uses dog-assisted interventions to
Portugal's recent demographic growth, reaching 11.4 million inhabitants due to migration, is reflected in Coimbra with its own unique dynamic. The municipality's resident population rose from 140,796 in 2021 to approximately 146,900 in recent estimates, a 3.5% increase that slightly exceeds the national average of 3.2%. While the city faces a negative natural balance due to an ageing population, a highly positive net migration of over 8,300 new residents has driven growth. This influx, largely composed of young adults, students, and professionals from Brazil, PALOP countries, Asia, and Europe, has rejuvenated the demographic pyramid. However, this rapid transformation presents complex challenges in housing, school integration, labour market stability, urban mobility, and social cohesion. To address these, the municipality is looking to international models from cities like Vienna, Barcelona, and Copenhagen to implement policies focused on inclusive education, mobile health services, public space planning, and the rehabilitation of vacant properties, aiming to convert demographic growth into sustainable development.
No academic tradition deserves to be associated with fear, abuse, or sexual violence.
Last year, SOS Elderly Person internally monitored 37 cases of violence against the elderly, in addition to 29 initiated in the first months of 2026.
George Biancardini, a 22-year-old Brazilian student, is leading a ticket for the Law Students' Association at the University of Coimbra. Aiming to increase representation for international students, Biancardini decided to run following a recent incident involving racist and misogynistic audio shared in a student WhatsApp group. His platform focuses on implementing protocols to address discrimination and ensuring the student body takes a stronger stance against such behavior. Elections are scheduled for May 12th.
In a month dedicated to autism awareness, the message is one of normalisation: more than fitting into a pattern, the challenge lies in allowing each person to find their own place.
A psychology student at the University of Coimbra has created a digital platform to help students facing mental health issues.
The new president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) took office this Tuesday, promising to address 'divisive issues within Portuguese society,' including global conflicts and social problems. As the Bishop of Coimbra, Antunes pledged to continue the work of his predecessor, José Ornelas, specifically regarding sexual abuse within the Church and the protection of minors. A major short-term challenge involves responding to victims' protests over compensation amounts, which have been lower than initially expected. Additionally, there is pressure for the Church to lobby the government to exempt these compensation payments from personal income tax (IRS), preventing further distress to abuse survivors.
The Casa do Brasil Coimbra has signed a protocol to launch its Psychological Support Office. This partnership with psychologist Juliana Tiemi is the first of four agreements the institution will formalise this year to build a support network for the community. According to president Daniel Domingos, the office aims to provide a space for listening and emotional support for Brazilians living in Coimbra, with future plans for workshops and potential discounts on certain services.
The Association of Brazilian Researchers and Students in Coimbra (APEB) was one of the entities to sign a statement of repudiation following the circulation of an audio clip containing racist and misogynistic content in a WhatsApp group of University of Coimbra students. The situation is currently under investigation. One of the students identified as the author of the audio belongs to the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, which has already referred the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office. In his statement, the rector of the University of Coimbra affirmed that he will also refer the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office if the participation of any student from the institution is identified. Coimbra hosts a high number of Brazilian students. The president of APEB, Letícia Coelho, spoke to Radar DN Brasil.
The Miguel Torga Higher Institute (ISMT) is providing free psychological support to the population of the Coimbra region affected by the bad weather through the 'APOIOTORGA' program, aiming to assist in the phase of returning to routine.
The support is being provided by a team of 18 psychologists, with an estimated capacity of around 30 consultations per week.
Laura Lemos, one of the project coordinators, points out that difficulty in emotional management 'can appear weeks or even months after' the events
The intervention will be made available for the first time in Portugal at the Local Health Unit (ULS) of Coimbra, at the Bissaya Barreto Maternity Hospital.
'Doa a Quem Doer' was in the city of Coimbra where the Mondego River frightened the population for days as they feared losing their homes. This week's programme also reveals the stories of those who lost everything due to the bad weather.
Coimbra may experience a “centennial flood” this Friday due to the rising flow of the Mondego River.
The mayor states that a “very large peak” is expected around 3 PM this Friday, but the flood could be confirmed by morning. Classes have been cancelled in the municipality.
The city centre of Coimbra is on alert. Ana Abrunhosa assured that, if the flood peak is confirmed, they are prepared to evacuate more people from their homes. Additionally, there is a new update from Civil Protection.
A centennial flood is one that has a 1 in 100 chance of occurring in a year (not a flood that happens once every 100 years).
The Coimbra City Council is preparing to evacuate an additional nine thousand people, mainly in the urban area, if the scenario of a centennial flood is confirmed on Friday, the municipality's president stated today.
Professionals will work on preventing complications, monitoring, and providing emotional support to those affected.
