Portuguese Red Cross expands emergency and social support services

The Portuguese Red Cross is expanding its operational capacity and community support through new initiatives in Matosinhos and Marinha Grande.

In Matosinhos, a new pre-hospital emergency relief structure has been inaugurated in the Lavra parish. This facility is designed to strengthen the institution's ability to respond to emergencies within the municipality. The Matosinhos delegation, which has operated in the area for 34 years, provides various services including social support, health services, domestic violence victim assistance, and aid for the elderly and dependent populations.

In Marinha Grande, the municipality has established a cooperation protocol with the Portuguese Red Cross to assist families affected by Storm Kristin. Through the Galp/Community Resilience 2026 Program, eligible households facing economic hardship may receive financial support of up to 1,956 euros for essential goods such as food, hygiene products, and medicine. The program also includes community training sessions focused on risk prevention, crisis communication, and first aid to improve local disaster response capabilities.