Development of Care Farms for independent living and integration into the community

Bilateral initiative facts

Promoter:
Zvieratá a ľudia navzájom o.z.(SK)
Bilateral initiative number:
SK-ACTIVECITIZENS-BI009
Status:
Completed
Initial cost:
€10,000
Actual cost:
€9,436
Initiative Types:
Capacity building and short-term training
Partners:
Dyrebar Omsorg,Norway(NO)
Programme areas:

Description

In cooperation with a partner from Norway, the project will support the development of the so-called Care Farms, which have potential in the field of employment, integration services for the target group of the project. A publication will be produced which will provide access to essential information on the meaning, process and objectives of the development of the so-called Care Farms in Slovakia. The project also includes educational workshops in the regions of Slovakia for potential candidates for the creation and development of Care Farms. The project includes a study visit. Around 200

Summary of the results

In Slovakia, so-called Care Farms, integrating the field work and services for various disadvantaged groups of people, do not exist. Also, Slovakia is little involved in any activities in the field of including animals in the care of people''s mental health, which is mainly due to low awareness of this type of interventions. The project was devoted to the strengthening the position of vulnerable groups by providing a informational and educational material to support the development of Care farms in Slovakia.

Project promoter carried out workshops, dissemination activities on Care Farms to deliver relevant information about educational opportunities, health care provision and social services on farms for different groups of people (from kindergartens to day centers for people with dementia), to support people''s health, offer training in sustainable management of natural resources, but also as new sources of income.

The result is an increase in knowledge and skills through a 6-month exchange of experience with NOR workers at Care Farms and online educational information material for workers providing services with animals for vulnerable people, social service providers and farmers, employees implementing policies and measures in the field of social inclusion.

The project empowered local communities to not be afraid to develop Care Farms and implement animal therapies in a farm environment for vulnerable people to benefit from meaningful time with plants and animals.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.