Successful Social Service Delivery Is Based on Cooperation - the successful implementation of social services relies on diverse forms of cooperation — not only interdisciplinary collaboration, but also partnerships with target groups, their families, and other social service providers. An essential element in this process is communication and joint work across various organizations, which leads to innovative solutions and contributes to greater social well-being overall.
This was the key insight shared by social service providers from Latvia and Italy during the experience exchange event “The Power and Role of Cooperation in Implementing Innovative Social Services”, organized by the Society Integration Foundation (SIF).
Antonio Antonelli, Doctor of Medical Sciences and representative of the Bergamo Health Protection Agency’s project “Caregiver Bergamo”, emphasized the importance of broad cooperation networks in successfully implementing innovative social services.
“Caregiver Bergamo” provides comprehensive support for informal family caregivers — individuals who care daily for relatives with chronic illnesses or disabilities. The project fosters collaboration among national health service providers, social workers, and nurses. It has also established a Caregiver Laboratory — a platform currently joined by 95 organizations — which provides additional support to caregivers, oversees cooperation processes, promotes understanding of caregivers’ roles, needs, and rights, and raises awareness within society.
“Our goal is strong cooperation between state institutions and third-sector organizations, creating an integrated approach centered on society’s real needs. Caregivers are no longer viewed as isolated individuals, but as an essential part of the care system. We must change our approach to one that is more inclusive, supportive, and modern,”
stresses Antonio Antonelli.
The social enterprise “Hospiss Māja” has demonstrated how collaboration can bring about broad systemic change. Its main goal is to ensure dignified and high-quality end-of-life care at home, allowing people to pass away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.
When the organization was founded, many in Latvia had never even heard the term “hospice.”
“From the beginning, we engaged in discussions with state and municipal institutions, participated in working groups and public debates. Everywhere we went, we had to explain what hospice care is — no one knew about palliative care.
On 1 January 2024, a state-funded service was launched, available across all regions of Latvia — a mobile palliative care team service at home. This service was achieved thanks to extensive cooperation and public engagement,”
emphasizes Žanete Jansone, member of the board of Hospiss Māja.
Systemic change in this case was achieved through public education and close collaboration with state and local government institutions.
The Camphill Foundation “Rožkalni” demonstrates the value of community-based cooperation. Since 1999, the “Rožkalni” village has provided a safe environment, support, and life skills for people with intellectual disabilities, at a time when systematic support elsewhere in Latvia was unavailable, often forcing such individuals into isolation or long-term care institutions.
Located in Valmiera Municipality, “Rožkalni” is Latvia’s only village where people with intellectual disabilities live alongside support staff in a small community, working in a certified organic farm. Residents not only grow their own food but also produce various food products and goods.
“We build a unified community — we share daily life, culture, and promote social inclusion through ecological farming. We show others that a community can be self-sufficient. Creating and sustaining external partnerships is what allows us to thrive and endure,”
says Jānis Roze, Chairman of the Board of Rožkalni.
“Social innovation — though it may sound new and unfamiliar — has actually been present in Latvia for decades; perhaps we just haven’t recognized it. Through the project ‘Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services’, we encourage broader thinking and new ideas — not only through open project selections with financial support but also by strengthening knowledge about social innovations, social services, and cooperation,”
highlights Alda Sebre, Director of the SIF Department of Social Cohesion.
The video recording of the online experience-sharing event “The Power and Role of Cooperation in Implementing Innovative Social Services” is available on the SIF Facebook page.
This event is part of the ESF+ project “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”, implemented by the Society Integration Foundation, aiming to promote social innovation and develop modern, needs-based, and relevant community-based social services.
This information was prepared by the Society Integration Foundation within the ESF+ co-financed project No. 4.4.1.1./1/24/I/001 “Support for New Approaches in the Provision of Community-Based Social Services.”
The Society Integration Foundation is responsible for the content of this information.
📸 Photo gallery: https://www.sif.gov.lv/lv/galerija/bilzu-galerija-nozares-eksperti-sekmigu-socialo-pakalpojumu-istenosanas-pamata-ir-sadarbiba
