This semester, UCP2 Mental Health launched the pilot phase of the UCP2Be Curricular Unit, an innovative initiative that aims to contribute to the development of socio-emotional skills in first-year undergraduate students, in order to promote a more appropriate adaptation and mental health.

The project is being implemented at the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FEP) on the Porto campus, with the participation of 63 first-year students from the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and seeks to stimulate skills associated with self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, interpersonal communication and resilience – skills recognised as fundamental to well-being, academic success and mental health.

With a duration of 12 weekly sessions of 1.5 hours, UCP2Be uses active and experiential methodologies, promoting learning, peer sharing and personal development.

"The transition to higher education is a time of great challenges. Investing in social and emotional skills from the beginning of the academic journey is investing in the mental health, integration and success of our students", emphasises Lurdes Veríssimo, lecturer and member of the UCP2 Mental Health Team in Porto.

The pilot phase is being monitored and evaluated by the UCP2 Mental Health Monitoring & Evaluation team, with the aim of understanding the impact of UCP2Be on indicators such as mental health and the development of socio-emotional skills.

Based on the results of this initial phase, UCP2 Mental Health intends for UCP2Be to become a cross-curricular unit across all courses.

With this initiative, Católica reinforces its commitment to a comprehensive education, focused on the individual, psychological well-being, and human development, responding to the challenges of university and professional life.