Over 100 applications from more than 20 countries worldwide were submitted to the 2024 European Social Services Awards (ESSA), each showcasing innovative practices and approaches in developing socially inclusive communities. The objective of the 2024 Awards theme ‘Promoting Inclusive Communities’ was to recognise organisations that go above and beyond to ensure that vulnerable persons are included in the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of services in the community. With many inspiring projects received, everyone at the European Social Network (ESN) is excited that we will be able to acknowledge many social services organisations working hard to make their own community more inclusive.
The range of projects submitted was impressive. They included those supporting persons experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers, children and older people, current and former prison inmates, as well as social workers and caregivers themselves. The projects highlighted the benefits of putting in place co-created services and working alongside persons using services in service delivery. Many projects underlined the positive impact of integrating vulnerable persons into the community through demonstrated success of implementing community-based practices to address social problems.
Keep reading to learn more about the projects submitted to each category!
Service Delivery
Applicants in the Service Delivery category showcased innovative programmes designed to improve the well-being of people in the community. The importance of de-institutionalisation and the need to keep care in the family and community networks were highlighted across the projects submitted within this category.
Workforce Support
The applications in the Workforce Support category accentuated the importance of providing adequate training to the social services workforce to ensure that they are provided with the skills necessary to understand and respond to the unique needs of people using social services. This training is also crucial for ensuring a diverse workforce by supporting persons with lived experience to join the social services workforce as illustrated in some of the proposals received.
Collaborative Practice
The projects submitted to the Collaborative Practice category underscore the importance of strong partnerships between community organisations and persons using services themselves to provide integrated, responsive services within the community.
Research & Evaluation
The applications received in the Research & Evaluation category highlighted the importance of undertaking data-driven studies to inform and improve practice and implement evidence-based approaches to strengthen social cohesion in the community.
Digital Transformation
The projects submitted to the Digital Transformation category showcase the power of technology to act as a tool to make services more inclusive and accessible, as well as to alleviate administrative processes through automation.
Over the next few weeks, the applications will be evaluated by our external panel of judges and shortlisted projects in each category will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, on 4-5 November. We anticipate a difficult job ahead for our panel, with so many interesting, well-established practices and approaches that respond to the unique needs and preferences of all persons in the community among the applications received.
When the shortlist is announced, they will be able to register to attend the ceremony and the public will also be invited to cast a vote for your favourite projects. Keep an eye on the ESN communication channels for the announcement!
