The pilot phase of the UCP2Be Curricular Unit, launched by UCP2 Mental Health, has been successfully completed. Implemented this semester at the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FEP) of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, the initiative involved 53 first-year students from the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, focusing on the development of socio-emotional skills recognised as essential to well-being, academic success and mental health. These skills include emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, interpersonal communication and responsible decision-making. 

Over the course of 11 sessions lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes, participants explored group dynamics and active methodologies aimed at facilitating the transition to higher education, a period often marked by high levels of stress and anxiety.   

The students' progress was closely monitored by the UCP2 Mental Health Monitoring & Evaluation team. Preliminary data points to an improvement in well-being indicators and greater cohesion among peer groups. 

The innovative Curricular Unit, focused on the development of socio-emotional skills, is now preparing to expand to the entire Universidade Católica after positive feedback from FEP students at the Porto campus.   

The overall assessment of the initiative was very positive, both by students and the academic community at FEP, on the Porto campus. Given this outcome, UCP2Be is now preparing to expand across the entire Universidade Católica, establishing itself as an innovative course focused on the comprehensive development of students. 

The effectiveness of the project is also reflected in the testimonials of participants, who highlight the sense of belonging, comfort and security provided by the sessions, as well as the importance of continuing the course.  

Daniela Silva, a first-year Psychology student, shared her view on the impact of the UC: "It wasn't just another UC, a few more credits, it became a part of our routine where we could genuinely learn and grow as people".

"It's a safe environment for learning and sharing in a close-knit community, almost a mix between the usual sessions and the Mental Health Literacy and Psychological First Aid Workshops at UCP2 Mental Health. I think it would make a lot of sense to continue this type of initiative, and I believe that many students would benefit if it continued", shared Francisco, also a first-year psychology student.

With the conclusion of this stage at FEP, UCP2 Mental Health intends to extend UCP2Be to all courses at the Universidade Católica, reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive education and proving that academic success is inseparable from psychological balance and human development.