Bridging people, processes, and everyday life.
SOcial is an independent social work project for migrants in Portugal, combining social guidance and support, learning and communication activities, and an intercultural and community approach to promote autonomy, integration and participation.
How we can support you
Migrant Support Office
Personalised Social & Administrative Support
Support available in person in the Algarve and online, by appointment.
We provide personalised social and administrative support to migrants in Portugal, helping you understand and navigate Portuguese administrative procedures, access your rights and understand your responsibilities.
A residence or AIMA issue, documents you do not understand, difficulties accessing healthcare or Social Security, or several concerns at once: the Migrant Support Office offers a space where you can be heard, make sense of your situation and organise your next steps.
Feeling safe, heard and recognised, and understanding the place where you live are important foundations for integration. Your story and your needs guide our work. We explore your situation with you, explain the available options and provide social and administrative guidance and support, so you can make informed decisions and build your life in Portugal with greater confidence, autonomy and a sense of belonging.
TalkTuga & TugaLab
Supporting the integration of migrants and contributing to a more cohesive and harmonious society are part of SOcial's mission. Learning Portuguese is an important step in this process — but it is also about finding the confidence to use it in everyday life.
Through regular sessions and participatory workshops, TalkTuga and TugaLab create opportunities to learn through experience, conversation and connection. We practise listening, expressing ourselves and communicating in real situations, with space for different levels and ways of participating.
Discover TalkTuga & TugaLab →
Community and intercultural work
Integration is a collective process involving migrants and the communities they become part of.
SOcial's community approach values human connection, cultural exchange and the sharing of knowledge as paths towards mutual enrichment and social cohesion. We seek to develop this approach through initiatives and partnerships that encourage participation, understanding of different realities, and the protection of the rights of both newcomers and those already living in the community.
Learn about this approach →About SOcial
SOcial is an independent social work project in the field of migration, with a socioeducational, intercultural and community approach.
We promote migrants' autonomy, access to rights and services, and active, informed participation in the communities where they live. We understand integration as a process of mutual understanding, relationship-building and participation, guided by human rights and social justice.
Discover the project →
Who is behind SOcial
I'm Sandra Ordoño, founder of SOcial, with a background in Social Work and Psychology. I am also a migrant living in Portugal.
I bring together a psychosocial understanding of people's experiences and practical knowledge of migration processes and Portuguese services, respecting each person's circumstances, pace and ability to make their own decisions.
Learn about my background →
Get in touch
To request a consultation with the Migrant Support Office, briefly tell us what you need help with. We will get in touch to arrange an appointment and explain the fees and scope of support.
Consultations and ongoing support through the Migrant Support Office are paid services. Fees and the scope of support are agreed before work begins.
You can also contact us to join TalkTuga or TugaLab, or to propose a collaboration.
Get in touch →