T.A.C.T Gives a Healing Hand

On World Disability Day, T.A.C.T. (Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust) was able to make a large donation towards a new sensory centre at the residential home, Casa de Santo Amaro in Lagos. The Tomorrow team joined the staff and residents for a party to celebrate.

The Casa de Santo Amaro home is located next to the Centro de Saude and is run by CASLAS, the Lagos institution which facilitates social services. Although it looks austere from the outside when we enter there is a lovely internal courtyard where citrus trees grow. The 33 residents are sitting outside enjoying some winter sunshine as waiters serve them.

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, on 3rd December, was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

It was a fitting day to bring to fruition the dreams of the home ́s director Marlene Henriques and her team of staff including among others, a social worker, clinical psychologist, physiotherapist,  speech therapist, caregivers, cleaners and cooks. As well as the permanent residents, they take care of day patients who stay at the centre while their families work. 

One of their more famous residents is Leonor, who many will recognise as she sells hand-made crafts in Intermarche. Tomorrow ran an appeal to give Leonor her voice after she lost the ability to speak from a stroke. Through therapy, she now has regained some vocal ability and shakes my hand saying a hearty “Bom Dia,” before giving me a proud smile.

The social worker, Patrícia Carolino, explains to me that, “every day is a challenge, we see more and more mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar.” This is where the sensory room comes in. It allows patients to relax and be calm. It aims to stimulate all of the eight senses, through aromatherapy, textures, sounds and colours, allowing those with disabilities to experience new pleasurable feelings which in turn promotes wellness. She says, “we have dreamt for a long time about this room.”

The state-of-the-art centre, features a heated water bed, cloud, water column, fibre optics, musical therapy, a video projector and ambient music. As well as the help from T.A.C.T. It was made possible by a donation from a double amputee and former resident, Matilde Teixeira. She passed away aged 65 and wished her remaining money to go towards the facility. Her friends also attended the event to witness the room named “Sala Matilde” unveiled.

T.A.C.T. was first alerted to the home´s cry for help by Chris Hogg. After his bowling club collected Christmas presents for the residents, he visited the home many times and tells me, “the residents hand over their benefits to the home as a rent to stay there, meaning they have nothing left over for luxuries. Anyone who has anything surplus to requirements that they can give, from toiletries to furnishings, would be very much appreciated here.”

T.A.C.T.´s Steven Sutton organised curtains that were being thrown away by a hotel to be re-hung in the home, creating a cosy atmosphere in the resident’s lounge. They were then told that the home was very damp and air-conditioning would contribute to the resident’s well-being. Tomorrow´s registered charity donated three units. Steven says; “TACT is a non-profit charity trust. Our aim is to raise funds and help build awareness for local causes in the Algarve, working in partnership with local communities, organisations and people in need.”

Thanks to the fantastic success of the Tomorrow Christmas Ball, T.A.C.T. was able to give €5000 to top-up the money left by Matilde, allowing the sensory room to be completed. Patricia says; “We are so appreciative to T.A.C.T. for the large contribution.”

She takes us on a tour of the home which opened in 1999 and is partly funded by Portuguese Social Services but also needs to be self-funded. It is simple but comfortable; however, it would benefit from some homely touches and some areas need to be painted. She is proud to show us their occupational room, where there is a Christmas tree carved from wood which has been painted by residents. Many make beautiful artwork which adorns the walls, and they also receive instructions on health, hygiene, food and diet.

We go upstairs to the twin rooms which share specially adapted bathrooms and are accessed by a ramp or a lift. They show me the Dining Room, which they would like to refurbish next, to make it a more comfortable living space where residents can receive guests.

After our tour, there is only one thing left to do, reveal the plaque which is unveiled by two residents and T.A.C.T. President Tom Henshaw. The CASLAS president tells us, “On behalf of all our residents I would like to tell you how appreciative we are of your help.”

Marlene gives a small speech to all those assembled; “International disabled day is the day we chose to inaugurate this room which has been a dream for five years. We celebrated with our friends from Tomorrow magazine who gave us the possibility to realise our dream. You have made over 40 people smile today.”

Marlene would also like local people with disabilities to come and share the room. It will allow the people that call Casa de Santo Amaro, home to alleviate some of their stress and frustration and be a healing room, for many years to come.

T.A.C.T. NEEDS YOU

If the story above moves you, and you have the time to make more people in the local Algarve community smile, we are looking for people just like you to volunteer. 

We need skilled people to help us run the many activities we pursue throughout the year. You could also be appointed to carry out tasks in the absence of the lead person for that role. If you are only in the Algarve for part of the year we have tasks that can be carried out on a month by month basis too.

We would like you to use your business experience in helping us to make strategic decisions so that you can use your knowledge for the benefit of all. So if you would like to become a member of one of our boards, we can arrange a chat to discuss suitability. Why not drop us a line with a bit about yourself and tell us how you think your skills can help us? 

T.A.C.T Membership

Thank you to everyone that turned up on a cold day in November to sign up as members of T.A.C.T.  It was very inspiring to see you all and we are pleased to have you on board. We will also be hosting a further event at Boavista Golf Club to attract even more new members.  We will be there from 10.30 until 12.30 on Saturday, 18th January.  Pop along and we can tell you all about our exciting plans ahead for 2020, and how the donations received go towards very worthy community causes here on the Algarve. To join, our membership fee is only 10€ per anum, per person.  If you want to know more, please contact us. With your help, we can make 2020 even better.  

info@tomorrowalgarve.com