We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Call for Contributions for the 33rd European Social Services Conference (ESSC). ‘Where Care Meets Tech’ will spotlight two of the key drivers of change in social services - relational welfare and digital transformation - to highlight how these forces are reshaping care and support services.
With personalisation giving people more control over their care and digital innovations enhancing the way services are delivered, the conference will showcase how these approaches are merging to create more inclusive, efficient, and responsive social services.
Call for Contributions
Our team at the European Social Network (ESN) is excited to invite proposals from leaders in social services who wish to contribute to the conference programme and inspire ideas on either relational welfare approaches or welfare technology in the design and delivery of social services. Proposals are welcome under three thematic categories and should demonstrate practical, innovative solutions and approaches that are driving the transformation of social services.
1. Relational Welfare Approaches
Personalisation is fundamentally changing how care is delivered. Social services today are about more than just delivering support—they are about fostering meaningful relationships between people who need care, the professionals who provide it, and the communities in which they live. Relational welfare approaches focus on empowering individuals, strengthening community ties, and providing integrated support across different sectors, including health, education, and housing.
2. Welfare Technology
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in social services, helping to provide personalised care that meets the unique needs of individuals. Welfare technology can improve safety, increase autonomy, and facilitate participation for those with care needs, particularly older adults and people with disabilities.
3. Combining Relational Welfare and Technology
The most exciting opportunities for social services transformation lie at the intersection of relational welfare and technology. This combination ensures that individuals receive both the practical, technology-based support they need and the human connection essential for resilience and wellbeing. This category demonstrates how relational welfare approaches and technology complement each other to provide comprehensive, compassionate care. Whether through integrated care models or innovative service delivery methods, submissions should illustrate how this synergy leads to better outcomes for individuals and communities.
How to Apply
To submit your proposal, you are invited to fill out the application form, selecting the thematic area and session format which best suit your project. Whether you are working in integrated care, using digital tools to streamline services, or developing innovative training programmes, we encourage you to share your insights and help shape the future of social services in Europe. The deadline for proposals in French, German, Italian and Spanish is 12 November and the deadline for submissions in English is 19 November.
Why Participate?
By contributing to the ESSC 2025, you will have the opportunity to present your work to a diverse audience of European social services professionals, policymakers, and academics. The conference offers a platform to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and showcase the transformative power of relational welfare and welfare technology in improving social care across Europe.
The 2024 conference welcomed almost 700 delegates from 34 countries. Entitled ‘Co-creating Future Social Services,’ the conference focused on enhancing personalisation and co-production in social services.
We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals and learning how you are helping to transform the future of social services where care truly meets tech.
