TLG Portugal
'Crescer com Amigos' - a financially independent Voluntary Association in Portugal who have brought the support of the TLG Early Intervention programme to children in Portugal.
TLG Early Intervention was first piloted in the UK in 2010, and we quickly saw the difference a trained volunteer coach could make by regularly supporting a child before their struggles became more entrenched. Aware that children in other countries were facing similar challenges, TLG remained open to sharing what was working in the UK.
In 2015, a pilot for TLG‘s Early Intervention coaching programme was launched in Lisbon. Highlighting the supportive relationships behind this collaboration, it was named ‘Crescer com Amigos’ (‘Growing with Friends’).
My coach always supported me and when I needed it, he helped me not to give up. - Henrique, 10 years old
What has followed has been truly remarkable! Joana Gama was joined by her friend Sarah Moura and together these inspiring two leaders pioneered ‘Growing with Friends’. Volunteers have stepped forward, schools have seen the need, and funding has been provided by Portuguese Hope Givers – generous ordinary people giving small amounts monthly to enable children to be helped. After an initial pilot phase, growing with friends has become an independent not-for-profit Association partnering with local churches who provide volunteers who are then hosted by schools. We’ve had the immense privilege of seeing a number of children struggling in school, supported to express their emotions and talk about their difficulties. We’ve seen children facing difficulties such as bereavement, illness, poverty and change at home, supported to a place of being able to settle to learn and engage in school again.
What began in a few schools has now grown to include over 25 partners across Portugal. ‘Crescer com Amigos’ trains volunteer coaches to support children with the challenges they face. For one hour a week, coaches meet with their child in school to listen and talk, just as ours do in the UK. Through regular dialogue with the child's family, coaches also offer support and strategies to promote the family’s involvement in the child's school life.
Throughout the past decade, ‘Crescer com Amigos’ has walked alongside children facing emotional, social and behavioural challenges – from anxiety and confidence issues to complex family situations. Their coaches have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to supporting children with compassion, creativity and hope,
Across Portugal, children engaged in the programme consistently show increased resilience, improved emotional regulation and stronger relationships. Their stories of transformation remain at the heart of why ‘Crescer com Amigos’ exists.
As ‘Crescer com Amigos’ steps into the next decade, the vision is bold: expanding to serve younger and older age groups, developing new resources created in Portugal, strengthening regional connections and growing sustainably so even more children can flourish.
