Across Europe, ageing populations, unaffordable housing, growing wealth inequality, global conflict, and the impact of increased environmental disasters are placing unprecedented pressure on social services. Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated response and investment. Politicians, public administrations, and civil society will need to collaborate on designing resilient systems of care and social services that safeguard the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society. 

Against this backdrop, the European Social Network (ESN) recently launched the 34th edition of the European Social Services Conference (ESSC), entitled ‘Building Bridges: International Insights into Social Services,’ and is inviting submissions to contribute to the conference programme. Bringing together key decision makers, policymakers, and researchers, the conference will serve as a platform to exchange knowledge, compare approaches, and reimagine how key social services systems are designed, delivered, and financed for communities across Europe. 

Call for Contributions 

Are you working on forward-thinking, innovative social services approaches, programmes, or research in your local, regional, or national context? If so, we encourage you to apply to contribute to the 2026 ESSC programme. You are invited to submit a proposal under six topics of interest: 

• Models of child protection and family support: Submission on preventative, early intervention and family or community models of care to improve child welfare and family support, are welcomed.
• Innovative long-term care services and support for people with disabilities and older adults: Applications may highlight integrated, person-centred approaches to long-term care, including community-based housing and support schemes, local ecosystems of care, and technology solutions that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life.
• Social inclusion programmes for people in poverty and homelessness: Proposals are encouraged that explore new models of coordinated service delivery and innovative practices that remove structural barriers, secure pathways to housing and employment, and create stronger opportunities for social and community participation.
• Digital transformation and interoperable service delivery models: Contributions could present digital innovations, from platforms and case management systems to interoperable tools, that strengthen accessibility, improve collaboration among professionals, and enhance engagement with service users.
• Social services models in cities and urban areas: Applications may describe forward thinking initiatives led by city social service departments that respond to urban challenges such as population density, diversity, and inequality, through decentralised, integrated models of care and support.
• National and cross-national research or evaluations on social service system outcomes: We welcome proposals sharing evidence from national or international research and evaluations that assess system performance, inform decision making, improve accountability and contribute to the development of common quality standards across Europe.

The deadline for submissions is 18 November 2025, and applications may be made in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Application guidelines, detailed criteria, and the online submission form are available on the ESN Community Platform.

Why Contribute?

Selected contributions will be featured in the ESSC 2026 programme, offering the opportunity to share your work with an international audience of leaders in social services and to influence debates on the future of care and support systems across Europe. In 2025, almost 700 delegates from 38 countries came together for the 33rd edition of the ESSC, and the conference continues to grow. 

By sharing your insights, you will help build bridges across borders, disciplines, and communities, contributing to more resilient, inclusive, and equitable social services. 

Apply now and share your expertise with peers driving social services policy and practice across Europe and beyond.