Sines’ Active Future - GLES

The Gabinete Local de Encaminhamento Social (GLES), or Local Office for Social Referral, is part of one of the forefronts of the “SAF-Sines’ Active Future” supported by EDP. Through psychosocial, employment, and training assistance, it intends to have a direct impact on the lives of the previous workforce of Sines’ Power plant and their families.

An Office from people and for people

The closure of the Sines Power plant was a notable moment for the area and the local community. Thirty-five years of connection went by, and EDP wouldn’t leave the community. Within this context comes the “SAF - Sines’ Active Future” project, for which the Local Office for Social Referral is a participating party.

The GLES birth

On February 15th, 2021, the Local Office for Social Referral (GLES) opened its doors. Located in the Sines’ Tecnopolo, GLES was born from a partnership between EDP, Sines’ City Hall, and the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). Its objective is simple: to endorse Sines’ population socially and professionally, without charge. There are other GLES initiatives, such as NAU and Sines’ Solidary EDP. The first one is a business incubator for ideas or local businesses in an early stage of life, through which initial investment capital funds are mobilized or other options for investment. The second initiative is focused on social projects that intend to respond to the needs of the Sines region.

The GLES contributes to the local community

The action and contribution of the Local Office for Social Referral may be classified into three categories.

1. Psychological support

Knowing the importance of mental health in everyone’s lives is an area that couldn’t be overlooked. Thanks to a partnership with Sines’ Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the local community has access to a psychologist and family therapist.

2. Social assistance

This third assistance is in the hands of the Employment and Vocational Training Services from the IEFP. The goal is to facilitate integration in the employment market through training actions or employment support measures. It also connects to NAU, the entrepreneurship initiative.

3. Employment and Vocational

Training Support This third support is provided by the Employment and Vocational Training Services. The goal is to facilitate integration into the labor market through training or employment support measures. It is also linked to NAU, the initiative for entrepreneurship.