Description
The project addresses the underdeveloped social services provided to young people leaving social care institutions. The project aims at helping young people with the transition to an independent life outside the institutions by teaching them social and business skills. First, a regional partnership network with all the stakeholders (institutions, local authorities, state agencies, NGOs, businesses) will be set up. Second, a psychosocial centre will be set up. The centre will provide social and legal services, individual and group counseling, professional counseling, referral and accompanying to health and social services. The centre will also organize social entrepreneurship activities, developing both social and business skills of 90 people. Finally, a website will be developed to provide information to people leaving the institutions. The project will benefit young people placed in institutions, the institutions, authorities, NGOs, businesses and the local community in general.
Summary of project results
The project aimed at supporting the transition to independent living of young people aged 18-26 who leave the institutions, including Roma people and people at serious risk of extreme social exclusion and poverty. The goal was reached through the Opportunity Centre for Psychosocial Care set up under the project which applied an innovative approach to combining various services for the young people from the target groups. The team provided psychological and social services and training in business areas. 114 young people were trained under the project. 16 of them were accommodated and found a job. In addition, 5 training sessions were organized for young people from the prison in Sofia City. 18 partnerships in three key areas were achieved, namely, with state institutions, the business and NGOs. 2719 soaps were produced and disseminated in the centre. In addition, an e-store was opened to distribute the products of the social workshop:
www.handmade.eterrasystems.eu The project team created a systematised guide for work and management of a centre for psychosocial care and 4 training modules. Opportunity Centre for Psychosocial Care received further financial support from Air Liquide Foundation. With the latter’s financial support, the centre will continue to function and develop its social entrepreneurship as well as have more time to look for sufficiently large contracts until it becomes financially independent. For more information about the project, please, visit:
www.vazmojnost.com
Summary of bilateral results