Two deinstitutionalisation projects under the supervision of the Ministry of Welfare have been recognised in the “Regional Stars 2024” competition organised by the Ministry of Finance, receiving awards in the category “A Social and Inclusive Europe.”
The aim of the competition was to highlight Cohesion Policy projects funded by the European Union that demonstrate excellence and innovation in Latvia’s regional development, as well as to inspire other project implementers and increase public awareness and interest in these initiatives.
Within the competition, projects competed in five categories corresponding to the Cohesion Policy 2021–2027 priorities: “A Competitive and Smart Europe,” “A Green Europe,” “A Connected Europe,” “A Social and Inclusive Europe,” and “A Europe Closer to Citizens.” An expert jury selected the three most outstanding projects in each category.
At the award ceremony, the Ministry of Welfare’s project “Kurzeme visiem” (Kurzeme for Everyone) received second place. The project aimed to develop services enabling children with functional disabilities and adults with mental disorders to live and integrate into the community, as well as to promote a more family-like environment for children in out-of-family care. Within the project, an extensive network of social services infrastructure was created in the Kurzeme region, including group homes, specialised workshops, rehabilitation centres, day care centres, and other support mechanisms.
Third place went to the project on the development of service infrastructure for the implementation of deinstitutionalisation plans in the Rēzekne City Municipality. The project improved and expanded social service infrastructure in Rēzekne, ensuring community-based services for people with mental disorders and children with functional disabilities. This enables them to receive rehabilitation close to home and live a more independent and fulfilling life.
More information about the projects:
🔹 https://kurzemevisiem.lv/par-projektu/
🔹 https://rezekne.lv/istenotie-projekti/pakalpojumu-infrastrukturas-attistiba-deinstitucionalizacijas-planu-istenosanai/
