The annual European Social Services Awards (ESSA), organised by the European Social Network (ESN), highlight the transformative and vital role social services play in creating resilient and inclusive communities across Europe. This year, under the theme ‘Social Services: Creating Lasting Change’, the Awards recognise remarkable accomplishments in social services by spotlighting successful new approaches to social care and exceptional ongoing work in the sector.
As ESN celebrates its 25th anniversary, this year’s edition holds particular significance, marking a milestone in its commitment to advancing innovation and collaboration across the European social services landscape. Reflecting the growing complexity of social needs and the evolving role of public social services, we are pleased to introduce several new and refined categories this year. Each new category highlights areas of innovation and excellence with a particular focus on inclusion, collaboration, quality, and measurable impact.
Disability and Accessibility in Social Services Award
The Disability and Accessibility in Social Services Award recognises a public authority or social services provider that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting inclusion, accessibility, community support, and quality of life for people with disabilities. This new category highlights initiatives that have implemented meaningful changes to remove barriers, whether physical, social, or digital, to create truly accessible environments where people with disabilities can live independently, participate fully in their communities, and enjoy equal access to support and services.
Special consideration is given to projects that demonstrate innovation in accessibility and inclusion, including person-centred practices, co-designed services, and initiatives that empower people with disabilities to shape their own support. In a time when accessibility remains a significant challenge, this award shines a light on efforts that are setting new standards for inclusive care.
Ageing and Long-term Care Excellence Award
The growing ageing population underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and responsive long-term care. Therefore, we have introduced the new Ageing and Long-term Care Excellence Award, which recognises initiatives that have showcased a strong commitment to enhancing ageing and long-term care for older adults. This award particularly celebrates initiatives that provide person-centred, high-quality, and sustainable approaches that improve the wellbeing and autonomy of older adults. Whether through integrated care models, community-based services, or innovations that reduce isolation and improve quality of life, this category celebrates projects that are helping older adults live more autonomous and dignified lives.
Children, Families, and Youth Support Award
This new category highlights exceptional initiatives that protect and nurture children, support families, and empower young people. The award recognises public authorities or service providers that deliver holistic, preventive, and person-centred support, ensuring that children and youth grow up in safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments.
Some key areas of focus in children, families, and youth support within social services include enhancing child protection, providing mental health support, fostering youth empowerment, advocating for community-based care alternatives to institutions, and offering early intervention programmes to support families.
Leadership in Social Services Award
The Leadership in Social Services Award honours a policymaker or leader in social services who has demonstrated outstanding vision and leadership in shaping the governance, strategy, and long-term sustainability of social services. This new category recognises an individual whose pioneering leadership has driven systemic improvements, fostered workforce development, and introduced innovative reforms to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and resilience of social services throughout Europe.
Some key areas of social services leadership include strategic workforce development, integrated and person-centred governance, rights-based policies, collaborative governance, and thought leadership in social policy.
Call for applications: join the 2025 European Social Services Awards
With the introduction of several new categories in this year’s edition, the European Social Services Awards provide an expanded platform to recognise the scope and impact of the work taking place across Europe. These categories are designed to better reflect the realities of today’s social challenges and to honour the valuable initiatives striving to build more equitable and resilient social care systems. Furthermore, the awards highlight initiatives that not only demonstrate meaningful impact today but also pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable social services in the future.
The call for applications is now open and will close on 30 June 2025. If your work is creating lasting change and positively impacting the lives of people and communities, we want to hear from you!
Apply now to be considered for the European Social Services Awards.
