The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) will host the event “Social Innovation: A New Opportunity for the Development of Social Services” on 7 November from 10:00 to 12:00, aiming to highlight current challenges in the field of social services in Latvia, examine the issues faced by groups at risk of social exclusion, and present the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) programme designed to support social innovations in social services — helping to reduce social exclusion and ensure a dignified life for every resident of Latvia.
Latvia’s greatest resource is its people, and everyone facing difficult life situations must have access to public support services whenever possible. Unfortunately, many services are not adapted to modern needs and are often unavailable in regions with lower population density. Social services play a crucial role in ensuring dignified care, especially when no family support is available.
According to a public opinion survey conducted in late 2023*, more than half of respondents believe Latvia should balance economic growth with the promotion of social opportunities, while 16% think priority should be given to supporting the social needs of society. These findings highlight the need for innovative solutions to improve the accessibility and quality of social services.
At the event “Social Innovation: A New Opportunity for the Development of Social Services”, key challenges in the social services sector will be discussed, along with experience stories from three social service providers that have already implemented social innovations:
Children’s Protection Centre “Bērna māja”,
Latvian Samaritan Association,
Resource Centre for People with Mental Disabilities “ZELDA”.
Their stories will demonstrate the potential of social innovations in developing effective services.
During the event, participants will also learn about the ESF+ project call, offering — for the first time — an opportunity to apply for open selection and receive financial support for the development and/or improvement of social innovation projects in the social services sector. Applications may be submitted by state and local government institutions, public entities, associations, foundations, and companies, including social enterprises.
The total available funding for the project call is EUR 9,000,000. This is a unique opportunity to implement meaningful change and build a more inclusive society, where everyone feels supported and valued.
The opening event will also feature representatives from the Ministry of Welfare, the European Commission Representation in Latvia, project partners, and social service providers.
The event can be joined remotely. A live stream will be available on the SIF Facebook page: ŠEIT.
More information about the project is available on the SIF website: ŠEIT.
The event is organised by the Society Integration Foundation under the ESF+ project No. 4.4.1.1/1/24/I/001 “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services.”
* Kantar Latvia survey data, commissioned by the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), December 2023.
