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Workforce Support Winner: Caregiver Bergamo Project – ATS Bergamo, Italy

The Caregiver Bergamo Project, led by ATS Bergamo, is dedicated to strengthening support for family caregivers through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. By integrating the efforts of public administrations, third-sector organisations, and healthcare professionals, the project ensures that caregivers receive the emotional, practical, and professional support they need.

Discover the journey of ATS Bergamo, as they share their experience of implementing the Caregiver Bergamo Project and its impact on caregivers and their communities through their award-winning work in Workforce Support.

1. What does winning a European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?
   Winning this award is an important recognition of the commitment and teamwork that has shaped the Caregiver Bergamo Project. For ATS Bergamo and our partners, it represents both a moment of pride and a source of renewed motivation. It strengthens our belief in creating inclusive support systems and validates our shared efforts in addressing the needs of family caregivers in an innovative and impactful way.

2. Why did you choose to apply for the 2024 European Social Services Awards?
   Our participation was inspired by the European Social Network’s commitment to excellence and inclusion. The 2024 ESSA theme, Promoting Inclusive Communities, aligned perfectly with our project’s core mission. Additionally, our involvement in the 2024 Antwerp conference was a turning point, encouraging us to showcase our approach and foster a wider exchange of best practices with European peers.

3. What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?
   Being part of a European network like ESN offers invaluable opportunities for collaboration, mutual learning, and visibility. Sharing our project’s experience helps strengthen the support network for caregivers across Europe and allows us to learn from diverse approaches to social care, contributing to a shared vision of more resilient and inclusive welfare systems.

4. How does your winning project support inclusion in the community?
   The Caregiver Bergamo Project creates a network that integrates the efforts of public administrations, third-sector entities, and healthcare professionals to support caregivers. By addressing their emotional, practical, and professional needs, the project fosters an inclusive approach where caregivers are empowered to participate fully in their communities, reinforcing both their well-being and that of their families.

5. What were the key reasons for the success of your project?
   The success of our project lies in its collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. The involvement of local institutions, Ambiti Territoriali Sociali, and third-sector partners has created a robust, community-based support system. Additionally, the focus on co-designing interventions with caregivers has ensured that the services provided are relevant and sustainable, promoting trust and participation.
6. Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2025?
   Participating in the European Social Services Awards is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate impactful work while connecting with a network of inspiring projects across Europe. It is a chance to reflect on successes, share innovative practices, and contribute to the improvement of social services. For us, it reinforced the importance of collaboration and community-centered solutions.

Learn more about the Workforce Support category and all the shortlisted projects in 2024. You can also explore all the categories of the 2024 European Social Services Awards and discover the inspiring initiatives recognised this year.

Research and Evaluation Winner: Community Led Support Programme – University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

The Community Led Support Programme, is transforming how social service organisations engage with individuals and communities. By adopting a systems-based approach, the programme enables services to listen, respond, and co-design solutions with people, ensuring that rights, equalities, and inclusion remain at the core of service transformation.

Discover the transformative journey of the University of Birmingham, as they share their experience of implementing the Community Led Support Programme and its impact on social service organisations through their award-winning work in Research and Evaluation. 

1. What does winning a European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

Winning this award has given our research team, which includes a number of early career researchers, greater confidence in their work and their ability to make a substantial contribution to evidence and practice.

Similarly, it has provided a great boost for out national improvement partner regarding the quality of their programme through its work being recognised by such a leading network.

2. Why did you choose to apply for the 2024 European Social Services Awards?

We were proud of our practice-research collaboration, and our inter-disciplinary research team and thought that colleagues might be interested in knowing more about our approach and learning so being short-listed felt a major achievement by itself . Winning was a nice bonus!

3. What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

Whilst the challenges in many European countries are similar, and often connected, how we try to address these challenges varies – the opportunity to connect with, and learn from, colleagues across Europe enables us to explore different options and consider new innovations which have worked elsewhere.

4. How does your winning project support inclusion in the community?

The Community Led Support programme takes a systems approach to enabling social service organisations to listen and respond to individuals and communities, and to work with partners in transforming processes, practices and cultures – rights, equalities and inclusion are at its heart.

5. What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

A collaboration based on trust, respect and common values, in which both researchers and practitioners recognised each other’s contribution and were willing to learn and grow together, and the insights of people with lived experience.

6. Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2025?

Alongside the chance to meet and celebrate with colleagues from across Europe, the awards help to share good practice and enable teams to recognise and celebrate their contributions.

Learn more about the Research and Evaluation category and all the shortlisted projects in 2024. You can also explore all the categories of the 2024 European Social Services Awards and discover the inspiring initiatives recognised this year.

Excellence in Communities Winner: BIOCUIDADOS – COCEDER, Spain

The BIOCUIDADOS project, led by COCEDER, is a pioneering initiative that strengthens social services in rural areas, ensuring that care and support are adapted to local needs, environments, and communities. By fostering community-based action, the project promotes social inclusion, demographic regeneration, and sustainable local development, allowing individuals to remain in their communities with the necessary support to maintain their quality of life.

Discover the transformative journey of COCEDER, as they share their experience of implementing the BIOCUIDADOS project and its impact on rural communities through their award-winning work in Excellence in Communities.

1. What does winning a European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

For COCEDER, this means that our work in the field of social services in rural areas is recognised. We KNOW that this type of service needs to be adapted to the people, the environment, the local scale and the proximity. This can only be achieved through INTEGRAL, community-based action.

It also means giving visibility to an entity that has been working for over 30 years in the field of equal opportunities, serving people who live IN VILLAGES, and doing so from a plural and diverse perspective.

This award is synonymous with support for a model of care that we propose for the rural environment. In this model, the community is a key and determining element in improving people’s quality of life and well-being. We have experience of building, regenerating and maintaining welcoming, inclusive communities that provide support and care. This is the cornerstone of demographic regeneration (by retaining people), economic regeneration (by developing services) and social regeneration (by increasing social capital).

2. Why did you choose to apply for the 2024 European Social Services Awards?

There was a great affinity between the theme of the Awards and the BIOCUIDADOS Project. The experience developed in the field of the care community in rural areas and the impact evaluation developed, provides added value that we consider deserved to be known and recognized.

3. What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

For our organisation, it is very clear that if we want the social services of the future to include a rural outlook and perspective, and to be based on the local and proximity, it is fundamental that our model be included in public policies.

We need to encourage co-creation in the field of social services and develop methodologies for listening to the community in order to start from needs that are not covered and that are requested by the community (BOTTOM UP). We can do this with the help of organisations that apply this methodology and that are in touch with people, territories and communities and are an integral part of the ecosystem

4. How does your winning project support inclusion in the community?

Biocuidados draws its inspiration from the preservation of the primary ecosystem to protect the community of people living in rural areas. The project was born out of experimentation two and a half years ago, with the aim of capitalising on the values and resources of the rural community and putting them at the service of help and care for its members (a community of primary relationships and proximity), finding ways of making these services sustainable and respecting people’s right to choose to remain in their environment by providing the help they need to maintain their life project.

This social innovation project has been tested in 18 rural areas called ‘comarcas’ across Spain. We are currently in the process of defining the community-based care model in rural areas, bringing together the knowledge, methodology, results and innovative solutions that have verified the initial hypotheses of this project.

It is more natural to respond to the support and care needs of people living in rural areas from a local, global and integral perspective, as well as from a more efficient and community-based point of view. Segmented (skills-based) responses to people’s needs separate and fragment them and, in rural areas, drive them out of their environment.

5. What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

It is more natural to respond to the support and care needs of people living in rural areas from a local, global and integral perspective, as well as from a more efficient and community-based point of view. Segmented (skills-based) responses to people’s needs separate and fragment them and, in rural areas, drive them out of their environment

Biocuidados draws its inspiration from the preservation of the primary ecosystem to protect the community of people living in rural areas. The project was born out of experimentation two and a half years ago, with the aim of capitalising on the values and resources of the rural community and putting them at the service of help and care for its members (a community of primary relationships and proximity), finding ways of making these services sustainable and respecting people’s right to choose to remain in their environment by providing the help they need to maintain their life project.

Our key aspects

1. Be part of the local 

• From the community. (proximity)
• Of people’s problems
• To provide solutions that, based on individual needs, provide community responses (from RED)
• This requires PRESENCE, BEING AND BEING PART. The project has been developed through our partner entities that have been in the territory for many years, they are part of the ecosystem.

2. Person-centred care with a community approach, placing the person in their community

• with the concrete reality of the person (listen)
• with its diversity and complexity (understand/understand)
• with chosen actions and with meaning for the person (identity)
• oriented to their permanence and connected with the community
• community action with purpose and intentionality

3. From the Logic of  proximity and the relational plot

• It involves working on a network: addressing solutions from this perspective involves
  • Jointly define the problem
  • Share resources and connect them
  • Work from horizontality
• It is necessary:
  • Seedgrounds of social relationships
  • Drivers of community action (our partner entities)

4. Transversality (Community Orientation)

Person-OrientedWorking with the person, without age, condition, ability, origin, etc., without segregation. This is more natural, inclusive and welcoming.

The responses to the problem are not fragmented by competences, the solutions are integral

For this it is necessary to have a team of people who work with this perspective of integrality from the community

• • They connect the community with people who need support
  • People integrate and connect with their community
  • The system of relationships is taken care of

6. Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2025?

Because of the recognition it entails, the visibility, the relationships established with other organizations and Administrations.

Specifically, I believe that the entities that intervene in social services in the territories, with people, provide added value in participation

Learn more about the Excellence in Communities category and all the shortlisted projects in 2024. You can also explore all the categories of the 2024 European Social Services Awards and discover the inspiring initiatives recognised this year.

Digital Transformation Winner: DOST Agency – Azerbaijan

The DOST Agency has been at the forefront of digital innovation in social services, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity through its one-stop shop model. By integrating digital solutions and citizen feedback into service delivery, the agency ensures that people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups receive tailored support that meets their needs effectively.

Discover the transformative journey of DOST Agency, as they share their experience of implementing digital solutions in social services and the impact of their award-winning project in Digital Transformation.

1. What does winning a European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

For the DOST Agency, this is an invaluable recognition of efforts towards the goals we set to achieve in the social protection sphere. It means that we, together with our European counterparts, are forging ahead on a challenging way to attain social well-being in our countries. Moreover, it motivates us to work harder to achieve our goals.

2. Why did you choose to apply for the 2024 European Social Services Awards?

ESN is one of the most reputable organizations in Europe in the social sphere, and we, as ESN member, treat ESSA as an opportunity to showcase our achievements to the whole ESN network. We are proud that this is our second European Social Services Award, and we will apply in the upcoming years as well.

3. What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

The success of the DOST Agency’s one-stop shop model is also based on the experience and best practices of the most advanced organizations worldwide engaged in social protection. ESN is a great knowledge-sharing platform for its members. Today, along with studying other organizations’ achievements we already share our experience with others and observe increased interest in studying the DOST model.

4. How does your winning project support inclusion in the community?

We established a well-formed working mechanism focusing on listening, analyzing, and responding to the needs of people with disabilities. Based on their feedback, we introduced new services and brought changes to existing service procedures, addressed the raised issues to relevant structures and monitored its implementation. All these ensured inclusiveness and became decisive in maintaining the high citizen satisfaction level of the project.

5. What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

For DOST, being on the frontline of social services delivery in Azerbaijan, continuous improvement is critical. This project was developed in cooperation with civil society representatives, including PWD-related NGOs. This helped us to develop an integrated strategy, and action plan to enable our project to reach its goal of increasing inclusion and community engagement among diverse community members.

6. Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2025?

Every year the number of organizations applying to ESSA with projects in the social sphere has been increasing. This, in turn, opens horizons for more applications to be submitted. ESN, as a reputable international platform, gives enough opportunities to enter awards by many organizations.  When the project enters the award competition, especially when it is a winner, it motivates other organizations to learn from that experience.

Learn more about the Digital Transformation category and all the shortlisted projects in 2024. Here you can explore all the categories of the 2024 European Social Services Awards.

Collaborative Practice Winner: District DI Coordination Mechanism (DDICM) – HHC Bulgaria

The District DI Coordination Mechanism (DDICM) is an innovative model designed to improve cooperation and coordination among institutions supporting children and families at risk. By fostering collaboration between different stakeholders, this initiative ensures that vulnerable families receive the assistance they need through a structured, person-centred approach.

Discover the transformative journey of HHC – Bulgaria, as they share their experience of implementing the DDICM model and its impact on children and families through their award-winning work in Collaborative Practice.

1. What does winning a European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

The inclusion of the model of the District DI Coordination Mechanism and its win in the Collaborative practice category is a recognition of its innovativeness and success in terms of implementing effective interaction and cooperation with the institutions involved in solving the problems and support of children and families at risk. We are proud that our model has received this endorsement and would be happy to share it with everyone!

2. Why did you choose to apply for the 2024 European Social Services Awards?

We entered the European Social Services Awards, in the category of Collaborative Practice, because our District DI Coordination Mechanism (DDICM) model is an example of just that and encompasses a wide range of partners working together in the process of deinstitutionalisation and support for children and families. We submitted our DDICM application because we have a lot of evidence of the effectiveness and efficiency of the model, many families have been supported and many specific cases of children have been resolved. The district administrations that run the DDICM’s sessions also share the success level of this model, the good coordination between all stakeholders at district level and most importantly the resolved cases of children and families in the district.

3. What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

The added value for our organisation to be part of the European network is the recognition and the opportunity to spread a working and good model. Sharing good practices, models and projects at European level creates the conditions for a cohesive and inclusive community. Sharing brings people together and improves service development through experience and knowledge.

4. How does your winning project support inclusion in the community?

The most important characteristic of our model is that it puts the focus of the work of the institutions on the specific child and his family and with the possibilities and resources of everyone a sustainable solution to their problem is sought! The child and his/her family are active participants in the process and the whole family resource is involved in solving the problems!

5. What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

The key reasons for the success of our project are several. One of them is the innovation of the model. The DDICM is innovative because it is both accessible and supportive. It is accessible and open to any family that needs help and support. Our regional coordinators report cases of at-risk families to DDICM – with respect to the regional governor. So any family can reach out to the coordination mechanism through our organization and be supported.

Our approach includes regular support and mentoring for DDICM’s members and families at risk.

For the first time, this type of tool brings together the efforts of all stakeholders at a regional level for a specific case. It is not a tool for developing documents, strategies, policies, on the contrary, it is a place for dialogue, problem solving, support and monitoring of families and children in crisis.

What distinguishes our approach from the previous one is the flexibility, mobility and sharing of resources and responsibilities of all actors.

HHC – Bulgaria wins the sympathy of DDICM’s member representatives and the public because our people remain accessible and work proactively in every community we enter. We fund and support training and other activities when the need is brought to us.

6. Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2025?

Receiving an award is highly motivating and energizing, besides of course the recognition received. Every good practice, model or project should be shown and shared. In this way, experience is gained and the development of all these models, practices, projects is improved in a large community of organizations and professionals. Awards are one way to make this happen and for as many people as possible to be able to see this. Entering the awards is an inspiring process and experience for any organisation.

Learn more about the Collaborative Practice category and all the shortlisted projects in 2024. Here you can explore all the categories of the 2024 European Social Services Awards.

By Delphine Chilese-Lemarinier, Head of EU Affairs & Eunice Valerio, Head of Legal & Public Affairs, Edenred  

In inflationary contexts, the stability and well-being of citizens become increasingly precarious. Last September, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index reported a 3% increase in food prices from August, marking the largest month-on-month increase since March 2022. With 21.4% of the EU population already at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2023[1] and a rising of the cost of living, the strain on individuals and families further intensifies. In such tumultuous times, the significance of social vouchers, as instruments to implement social benefits and policies, cannot be overstated.

Social benefits play a pivotal role in supporting individuals, fostering a more robust economy, enhancing societal well-being, and bolstering the State.

The Portuguese NGO Banco Alimentar contra a Fome[2] revealed a concerning trend in Portugal: a surge in the number of employed individuals seeking assistance. The FOOD Barometer 2023, conducted annually by Edenred and its partners, indicated that half of Portuguese people allocate more than 30% of their monthly budget towards food expenses, with 17% spending over 40%. Additionally, amidst rising food prices, a significant proportion of individuals report exhausting their food allowance vouchers by the end of the month, hindering their ability to access adequate and nutritious food.

The ramifications of diminished purchasing power extend beyond individual well-being, encompassing broader economic and societal implications. Adequate nutrition is fundamental to overall well-being and health, directly influencing state expenditure on healthcare. Data from a 2023 study by Professor Jorge Bravo from UNL illustrates the substantial economic multiplier effect of consumption through meal vouchers, with each euro spent generating 3.15 euros in economic activity and contributing to a 2.1 euro increase in GDP, in Portugal. This underscores the pivotal role of social benefits in stimulating economic activity and bolstering overall economic resilience in the face of inflationary pressures.

The advantages of social benefits extend beyond addressing food insecurity and inflationary pressures to encompass diverse areas. In the realm of education, social benefits facilitate access to education for all individuals, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Similarly, for childcare, social benefits alleviate the financial burden on families and enable access to affordable and high-quality childcare services.

Social benefits directed towards training and skill development serve as a catalyst for enhancing employability, fostering economic mobility and reducing unemployment rates. In the sphere of health, social benefits play a pivotal role in ensuring access to essential healthcare services, medications, and preventive care for vulnerable populations.

Moreover, social benefits for senior assistance address the needs of elderly people, promoting dignified ageing, social inclusion, and overall quality of life for seniors. Incorporating these diverse facets of social benefits into comprehensive support frameworks underscores their broader societal impact, fostering a more equitable and resilient social fabric.

The provision of social benefits and vouchers is crucial to safeguard the well-being and economic stability of workers and citizens in the face of inflationary pressures. By leveraging the advantages of social benefits in education, childcare, training, health, and senior assistance, policymakers and stakeholders can create a more comprehensive and effective social support system that fosters equitable opportunities and well-being for all.

[1] According to Eurostat

[2] Food Bank against Hunger

Service Delivery Winner: Coffee and Community: Tackling Rural Isolation

The Rural Coffee Caravan’s project addresses the isolation and loneliness of older people in rural areas, which often leads them to feel disconnected in their communities.

Discover the transformative journey of the Rural Coffee Caravan, United Kingdom as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, Coffee and Community: Tackling Rural Isolation.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

We are thrilled and overwhelmed to win this award. We are a small rural charity, so to not only receive this recognition outside the UK but to be able to share what we do, with European friends has been such a special experience for us and such a boost for all our staff and volunteers.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2023 European Social Services Awards?

It was suggested to us by our local authority.

What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

To learn from and be inspired by projects across Europe. We are always looking for ways to improve and extend our offer. We have a very simple but effective model than can be relatively easily recreated anywhere, so it is a wonderful opportunity for us to hopefully inspire similar projects in other countries.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

Every individual who we come into contact is provided with support tailored to them. Eg not being forced to take part in group activities/conversations unless they so wish, providing information and advice tailored to people circumstances, welfare checks for those who do not attend as scheduled etc. Our team know their clientele so well and cater to their needs, be it emotional, physical or even dietary eg how people like their cups of tea/ or someone with diabetes who can only eat low sugar cakes. The impact of this is that people feel they matter, they are not just a number, trust is developed as relationships go beyond just alleviating loneliness.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

I think it’s our simplicity. The fact that we go to where the isolated and lonely people are and give them support and a warm welcoming environment in which they can connect with each other, where they live. These connections strengthen their community and enable them to support each other. I thinks it’s also the obvious passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers. We work closely as a team and support each other as well as our clientele. We will always go that extra mile because we care.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

The whole awards experience has been an uplifting one. To be in a space with so many people dedicated to improving lives and caring for vulnerable people has been both heartwarming and inspiring. To be able to see and learn how other countries deal with the issues we all face is both a humbling experience and a privilege. Its feels good to be part of something bigger than ourselves, a European community on a kindness driven mission, together!

Collaborative Practice Winner: The Sharing Factory

The Sharing Factory is a social and ecological shopping centre that promotes sharing as an alternative to ownership within the concept of the circular economy. A collaboration between government agencies, third-sector organisations and volunteers, the Sharing Factory hosts multiple shops offering items for shared and temporary use, such as clothing, household appliances, and bikes.

Discover the transformative journey of the Public Centre for Social Welfare Kortrijk, Belgium, as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, The Sharing Factory.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

We have been working on the project for several years, and it involves many people from different sectors and organizations who have all worked very hard. It is therefore very nice to be recognized for this work through the ESSA award. Participating and winning also gave us the opportunity to introduce our project to a very wide audience that we would not reach on our own.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2022 European Social Services Awards?

Because we are very proud of our project, which is a good example of a unique collaborative practice between different levels of government, public agencies, services, third and private sector organizations and dozens of volunteers all working together to improve the lives of vulnerable target groups.

What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

Networking, and getting to know projects and policies of other social service providers. Also, to receive feedback on the own social projects and policies from a broader context, and learning what is going on at EU level.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

De Deelfabriek is open to anyone interested in circular economy, but for vulnerable target groups specific services are in place: a family support worker who guides people coming out of necessity, to community case managers who organize person-centered care. Secondly, it is a social workplace for the work experience programs from the Public Centre of Social Welfare (PCSW). Thirdly, De Deelfabriek houses a spin off of the social restaurant ‘VORK’ and a social grocer with income-related prices. Finally, De Deelfabriek is the new operating base for the neighborhood development and community work from the city and the PCSW.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

It is a project that appeals to all sections of the population without stigmatizing the target groups that benefit from it the most.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

To gain recognition from a whole network of social service providers from all over Europe, especially for the hard work that field workers put in every day.

Excellence in Cities Winner: Social Atelier

The Social Atelier was established through an ongoing successful collaboration between the City of Osijek and DKolektiv – organisation for social development. This community centre provides a platform fostering dialogue and empowering disadvantaged, underrepresented and vulnerable groups, enabling professionals from different disciplines to work more closely together.

Discover the transformative journey of the City of Osijek, Croatia, as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, Social Atelier.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

Winning the European Social Services Award is a tremendous honour for The Social Atelier and City of Osijek. It signifies the acknowledgment of our dedicated efforts in fostering dialogue, empowering marginalized groups or underrepresented individuals, and promoting community development. This recognition not only boosts morale but also brings a sense of pride and accomplishment to our organization. It reaffirms our commitment to positive social change and motivates us to continue our mission with even greater enthusiasm.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2022 European Social Services Awards?

We chose to apply for the 2023 European Social Services Awards because we believe in the power of sharing successful practices and learning from other organizations across Europe. Being part of this experience provides an opportunity to showcase our work on an international stage, allowing us to contribute to the broader discourse on social development. We saw it as a chance to exchange ideas, gain insights, and inspire others while also learning from the experiences of fellow social service providers.

What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

The added value of being part of a European network is immense for our organization. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, innovative approaches, and successful projects among diverse actors in the social services sector. This collaborative environment enables us to broaden our perspective, enhance our strategies, and adapt proven methods to our local context. By sharing our experiences and learning from others, we contribute to a collective effort aimed at addressing societal challenges more effectively. This interconnectedness strengthens the social fabric across Europe and promotes a unified approach to creating inclusive societies.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

Our project champions person-centred care by prioritizing individuals’ voices and needs. Through dialogue and empowering marginalized groups, we collaboratively design activities, encouraging active community participation. This inclusive approach not only tailors services to unique circumstances but also empowers individuals to actively shape their own futures. Our emphasis on long-term empowerment involves community members taking the lead in addressing challenges, fostering a resilient and self-sufficient community over time.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

The key reasons for the success of our project lie in our commitment to fostering dialogue, empowering marginalized groups or underrepresented individuals, and promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving. Our community-centered approach actively involves individuals in over 300 activities, leading to more than 4,000 visits to the community centre. The success is rooted in the genuine partnerships formed between the City of Osijek and DKolektiv, as well as the active engagement of the community, with over 700 individuals participating. Additionally, our evidence-based community work ensures that our initiatives are impactful and address the real needs of the community.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

Organizations should consider entering the Awards in 2024 to gain recognition on a European stage, fostering collaboration and learning from peers across the continent. The Awards provide a platform to showcase successful initiatives, share valuable experiences, and contribute to the collective effort of advancing social services. The opportunity to be part of a prestigious network allows organizations to amplify their impact, learn from diverse approaches, and inspire others. Entering the Awards in 2024 is a chance to not only celebrate achievements but also to actively contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of social services in Europe.

Workforce Support Winner: PYCIPEDIA: Knowledge Sharing Platform to Connect Specialist Social Workers

To better support the social workers the wiki-type collaborative platform PYCIPEDIA was developed to allow social workers across Sweden to connect, create, browse, and share training materials with each other and with parents of children with intellectual disabilities.

Discover the transformative journey of the Linköping Municipality R&D Centre & IT University of Copenhagen, Sweden, as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, PYCIPEDIA: Knowledge Sharing Platform to Connect Specialist Social Workers.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

Coming from a university organization the award is an important example of research impact that goes beyond traditional research dissemination activities like publish scientific papers. The award is a recognition from the social service community that our work is relevant also for them.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2022 European Social Services Awards?

We had a project that we thought matched this year’s topic and it was an intriguing way to talk about, and disseminate, our work to a larger and relevant audience.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

It supports ‘workforce support’ related to Person-centred care by providing specialist social workers access to a platform that, in turn, allow the social workers to create a community across municipal borders. The platform allows the specialist social workers to browse, create and share training materials for their clients and best practices. A forum and other resources also allow the workers to discuss and exchange knowledge about their work. They can also share relevant material directly with the clients via a smartphone app. The creation of a professional and collaborative community of specialist social workers across municipality borders supports person-centred care.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

Active involvement of the target group already in the definition of the project, co-design and engaged social workers, a mix of different competences (social work, IT, design, research, etc), organizational support.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

It is a great opportunity to reflect on what you have done, to disseminate your work (as each nominated contribution must talk about their work to get votes for example), networking, and naturally for the fame and glory.