There are 14 winning projects in the EDP Solidarity Dams. The program, developed by EDP, to support social initiatives in the municipalities covered by the new company's hydroelectric investments, completes its 6th edition with more than one million euros allocated Among the winners of this year are innovative responses to the various social needs. Groups of volunteers who promote cultural activities to fight isolation, small household repair services, inclusive ecotourism, institutions in the same county joining forces in order to create synergies to assure care to elderly and disabled people.

Exceeding the numbers in previous year, the 77 applications submitted to the competition this year could access volunteer advisers to better prepare their respective projects. In total, there were 39 students and 10 technicians and teachers of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and from Polytechnic Institute of Bragança working with the institutions. A unique partnership, designed by the EDP Foundation to strengthen the institutions' competences and provide university students a closer experience of social reality. Of the 14 best projects, 11 benefited from the collaboration of these young volunteers in the region.

The over 10,000 beneficiaries foreseen for this 6th edition, add up to the universe of 7,000 people supported in previous years. The EDP Solidarity Dams initiative is part of a series of initiatives associated with the new hydro power plants, created by EDP to promote social and economic development in the municipalities under its scope.

Winning projects:

•CUIDAR Alfândega Sénior League of Friends of the Alfândega da Fé Health Center - Health care services provided by a multidisciplinary team. To promote and collaborate in the humanization of health care and improve the well-being of users, in home care and outpatient service.

• Mobile Repair Workshop Municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros - Handyman Workshop coordinated with the various parish councils

• IrisMurça municipality of Murça - OAC - Occupational Activity Center, leisure and therapeutics. 169 people with special needs (mental retardation) from 19 to 65 years

• Project Greater Click Santo Mamede Association, Alijó - Computer center, open to the community in general, with a focus on active aging and the promotion of academic or professional success. It stands out for the opening of this service to the entire social network.

• Theater for All Association Alma Group Moncorvo Tower Iron - Itinerant theater, car with mobile stage. Streamlining, promotion of art and culture, cultural, recreational and social expression, together with schools, nursing homes, more isolated populations and the general population, want the theater be of all and for all, through the mobile concept.

• GIS - Social Inclusion Office Board of Torre de Moncorvo's Parish - signaling and guidance space to the different local participants, promoting greater efficiency and optimization of existing resources.

• Grow Playing. Amarante Prevention Association, in Amarante - psychological adjustment promotion program, by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors. Prevention and Health Promotion that promote psychosocial skills and healthy living habits (protective factors) to reduce risk factors in the target groups (children, young and old) and strategic (families, educators and health agents)

• In Network for Life ADRL- Rural Development Association of Lafões - Intercity network of communication between old and young, through a set of activities of appreciation of their various knowledge. To promote local development through the stimulation of initiatives in the areas of human resources, tourism and heritage, culture and support for social action activities

• experience.NATURE TUA - Value in order to Know and Conserve Challenge Unipessoal Letters Enlarge the concept of inclusive Ecotourism in Tua Valley Natural Park. With six years of experience in similar programs, there is the potential for scalability through the training of local staff.

• 5S - The 5 Senses Energy Foundation A.J. Gomes da Cunha - Snoezelen intermunicipal space, multi-sensory room, whose goal is sensory stimulation and/ or the reduction of anxiety and stress levels. To improve the life quality of people with disabilities.

• Open LEQUE in the Mogadouro Association of Parents and Friends for People with Special Needs (LEQUE) - Replicate the social response CAAAPD - Service Center for the Care and Entertainment of People with Disabilities in Alfândega da Fé in Mogadouro. To improve the quality of life and the physical and emotional well-being of people with special needs (disabilities /disability) and their families.

• JOIN US - Não Fiques Parado Association of Good Works Santa Luzia - Improvement of physical condition of the building, extending the activities to the whole community of the parish (and county). To develop cultural and recreational activities, maintaining local traditions.

• CRI'Art - Graphic Arts Workshop CERCIMAC, Macedo de Cavaleiros - Continue the Cri'art project, allowing greater production of graphic material and marketing. To promote the quality of life of children with disabilities or at risk of severe developmental delay, youth and/ or adults with disabilities.

• Prepare to Aid Humanitarian Association of Oliveira de Frades Firefighting Volunteers - Formation of a team and specific rescue means (semi firm boat, protective equipment). Protection, safety and rescue of people and property in the county.