Description
The project addresses the social incompetence of the marginalized and vulnerable group of injection drug users (IDUs) to deal with the social security and healthcare system. The project aims at boosting the social competence of IDUs to contact the social security and health systems. First, the current state of the environment will be studied (legal framework, social services, ID documents, employment). Based on the collected and analyzed data, a methodology and a manual for IDUs will be prepared. Second, 60 IDUs will be trained in basic social skills, civil rights, social security, healthcare and employment rights and obligations. Finally, the IDUs involved will receive personal assistance, monitoring and follow-up counselling in the course of their contacts with the social security and healthcare systems. Finally, the project outcomes will be evaluated and disseminated. The project will benefit IDUs, the social security and healthcare system and the public in general.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the social incompetence of the marginalized and vulnerable group of injection drug users (IDUs) to deal with the social security and healthcare system. Adapted training courses were carried out under the project to raise the social competence of the representatives of the target group and their skills to contact the healthcare and social security system. The clients were also supported with personal assistance for the solution of a particular health-related or social issue. The main goal of the project was to bridge the social gap between one of the most marginalized and vulnerable groups, Injection Drug Users (IDUs), and the social security and healthcare system in the country by building the capacity of the target group members and multiplying the effect via the self-help mechanism in the group. The analysis of the findings showed that there is a working model present which helps reduce social exclusion by raising the awareness of the target group members about the existing healthcare and social service and helping them develop the practical skills and personal capacity to cope. 6 training sessions were held with 54 participants, more than 2/3 of them Roma; 28 people presented specific issues and were included in the assistance and monitoring programme. A report was prepared with an evaluation of the efficiency of the interventions used and a public discussion was held with the representatives of various state institutions and NGOs. The focus of the interventions was not so much on direct support of the clients but on boosting their own capacity and social skills to cope which will contribute best to ensuring the sustainability of the results. The training sessions held helped the participants acquire specific skills about how to interact with the state, municipal and non-governmental structures and interact with people from their environment. The work of the organization will enable keeping in touch with the clients who were trained so that they could turn for counselling or assistance, if needed, in the future. The main project beneficiaries were people with deteriorated mental health and the members of the Roma community who are IDUs and do not have any real access to social, health and legal services. They were actively involved in the implementation of all activities, the initial surveying of the needs, the training held, assistance and efficiency evaluation.
Summary of bilateral results