Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development by Latvia–Lithuania Programme

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Thematic Capitalisation Report as Precondition Social Inclusion elopment of Territorial Dev

2014

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Contents 1. Methodology

Thematic Background

2.1. Thematic regional development context

2.2. Pools of projects addressing regional development challenges

Thematic Analyses

3.1. Innovative approaches and good practice

3.2. Impact on target group

3.3. Project synergies

3.4. Coherence to the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) 15

Conclusions and Recommendations

List of Annexes Annex 1 – Evaluation Questions Annex 2 – Innovative Approaches and Good Practises Annex 3 – Map of Projects Divided by Topic

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Methodology The aim of the thematic capitalisation is to identify good practises, innovative approaches, sustainability and added value of cross border cooperation, as well as the impact upon the target groups, project synergies and contribution to the implementation of European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (hereinafter – EUSBSR). Methods used for preparation of this report – desk research where the programme document, project applications and progress reports were analysed. Moreover, a focus group discussion with the project participants from Latvia was organised (with representatives from projects “FirstAid”, “SocSupport”, “My-Response”, “I CAN WORK”, “MODPART”, “Cured by Animals”, “Baltic Hipo”) and individual interviews were conducted with projects partners from Lithuania and Latvia (representing projects “SocNetworking”, “SocServises”, “INISS”, “BeAble”, “My Response”, “I CAN WORK”). Firstly, we divided projects into three thematic pools based on their thematic focus. Secondly, we identified good practises. The main criteria for inclusion of the good practice examples in this report were: step by step development of the approach – first understanding the context through analysis, then developing strategy and action plan; demonstrating effective use of resources and added value of cross border cooperation; by involving different stakeholders and wide target groups within the exploitation of the project results. We selected innovative approaches based on the definition from the INTERREG IVC Capitalisation report on Rural Development: “Innovation offers practical and more effective (better outcomes for the beneficiaries) solutions for social needs in their region, thereby enhancing their capacity to act”1. After that we evaluated impact of the projects on their direct and indirect target groups and analysed project synergies. If and how projects contribute to the EUSBSR objectives, priorities and target indicators was also evaluated. Last but not least, conclusion and recommendations are proposed to optimise the thematic performance of programme in the next programming period. Detailed list of the evaluation questions is attached in the Annex 1. For the financial calculations of the ERDF contribution, the ERDF amount reported by the projects by November 2014 is used. For not finalised projects the financial calculations are made based on the ERDF amount set within the application form assuming all amendments if such occurred. We had some limitations during the preparation of the report – limited time frame and expected volume (max 10 pages), certain limitations of the information available regarding the on-going projects. The challenge was to evaluate the contribution of the projects to the field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development” defined in the new Latvia-Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 which is different from the directions of support of the current Latvia–Lithuania Programme under which projects were approved. This evaluation does not contain the impact analyses of the projects on the EUSBSR as this would require deeper field and socioeconomic analyses of the particular territories covered, which is not the task of this evaluation.

1 INTERREG IVC analysis report (2014), http://issuu.com/interreg_4c/docs/rural_development

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Thematic Background 2.1. Thematic Regional Development Context The social inclusion has a wide context associated with persons having a disadvantaged situation creating difficulties or obstacles to participate in the day-to-day life of the society. There can be different disadvantages causing the social exclusion: disability of people with mental (intellectual, cognitive, learning), physical, sensory or other disabilities; educational difficulties: people with learning difficulties; early school-leavers; lower qualified persons; young people with poor school performance; economic obstacles: people with a low standard of living, low income, dependence on social welfare system; people in a long-term unemployment or poverty; people who are homeless, people in debt or with financial problems; cultural differences: people belonging to a national or ethnic minority; people with linguistic adaptation and cultural inclusion difficulties; health problems: people with chronic health problems, severe illnesses or psychiatric conditions; social obstacles: people facing discrimination because of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, etc.; people with limited social skills or anti-social or risky behaviours; people in a precarious situation; (ex-)offenders, (ex-)drug or alcohol abusers; young and/or single parents; orphans; geographical obstacles: people from remote, rural areas or peripheral regions; people from urban problem zones; people from less serviced areas (limited public transport, poor facilities)”2. Social inclusion shall be seen in a complex manner. Firstly, the sufficient and appropriate health and social care shall be ensured in order to stabilise or improve the physical well being socially excluded persons. Secondly, the social rehabilitation and social integration that helps persons with fewer opportunities to obtain the ability and the self-confidence to be as a part of and return to the day-to day life of the society. As a next, the professional rehabilitation and obtaining new qualifications/ skills for people with fewer opportunities and their promotion to integrate or return within the labour market.

Currently, local and national public actors are responsible for the provision of appropriate care and services to ensure the social inclusion of disabled persons. Improvement of the cooperation between these local and national authorities, as well as strengthening the cross border networking is of an importance. This shall ensure identification of better ways and new approaches in providing services, exchange of experiences and best practices in solving the social exclusion problems and causing the social risks.

2 European Commission, Erasmus+ Programme Guide, “Equity and Inclusion”, p.13, 1 January, 2014

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

2.2. Pools of Projects Addressing Regional Development Challenges The field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development” includes 13 projects with a total ERDF grant 5,36 million EUR. The total number of projects is rather small. The analyses shows that the interest of project applicants about this field has appeared just recently as most of projects were supported within last two calls of proposals. Therefore this field includes comparatively small number of projects. Directions of the support from existing programme represented the most are “Small Facility” projects with 5 projects and “Joint Public Services” with 4 projects. As it is shown in the table below, projects have been divided into three pools based on their thematic focus. Table 1. Pools of Projects in the Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Project Pool

Projects

ERDF Grants

(1) Development of health care and social services

6 projects: First Aid, SocServices, Social Support, INISS, My Response, Social Taxi

Average ERDF Grant 683 034 EUR

(2) Social inclusion of disabled people

4 projects: CURED BY ANIMALS, CreationMyOnlyHope, SOC NETWORKING, Baltic Hipo

Average ERDF Grant 164 913 EUR

(3) Employment promotion for people with fewer opportunities

3 projects: Be-Able, I CAN WORK, MODPART

Average ERDF Grant 201 156 EUR

Majority of ERDF funding (77%) have received projects from the pool “Development of Health Care and Social Services”. This seems logic as most of projects of this pool have been financed under the direction of support “Joint Public Services” and include the investment component. The average grant amount is more than 683 thousand EUR and it is significantly higher than the average for both other pools. Both other pools are rather similar by the amount of ERDF funding attracted. Projects of both these pools mainly include soft activities namely projects are without a major investent component therefore require less funding. The average grants amount for the pool “Employment Promotion for People with Fewer Opportunities” is around 200 thousand EUR and for the pool “Social Inclusion of Disabled People” is more than 164 thousand EUR.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Figure 2. ERDF Grant to Projects Divided by the Pools, %

2.3. Geographical Aspects of Partnerships Established It is not possible at this stage to make any significant conclusions on the geographical coverage of involved partners as the number of projects is comparatively small and most of them just recently implemented. At this stage it is possible to identify just coincidental cooperation links and first most active newcomers to this field. However, during the focus group discussion the evaluators observed really high interest by other potential partners in the development new projects within this field. The most active partners were from Klaipeda implementing 6 projects in total and then followed by partners from Daugavpils with 4 projects. Partners from Siauliai, Liepaja, Saldus and Rezekne implemented 3 projects. There is relatively large number of municipalities with 1 or 2 projects implemented. The most represented regions by projects are Kurzeme and Klaipeda regions in western part of the Programme area performing projects within all pools (topics). As second actively using funds are Latgale and Utena regions on eastern part of the Programme area as well in all 3 pools. It is also notable, that there are cities, which have implemented several projects only from one pool, e.g. Saldus and Rokiskis each have 2 projects just within the pool “Development of Health care and Social Services”, Jelgava has 2 projects within the pool “Social Inclusion for Disabled People”. As we can see in the map Zemgale and Panevezys regions lag behind by the number of projects. Assuming that Lead partners are in most cases initiators of the projects, we can see from the map that projects are initiated by or around large cities and development centres. That emphasizes a problem identified by projects that social care and service are available manly in the development centres (cities) and problems of the accessibility to social services by disabled people from border and rural areas still exist. There are different type of partners represented within the pool “Development of Health Care and Social Services”. Among them two active mental hospitals from Daugavpils and Rokiskis shall be highlighted that step-by-step have already implemented 2 projects. There are two projects implemented by municipal authorities and regional bodies. One of these projects (“My Response”) shall be emphasized as it composes the partnership from 13

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

partners and is managed by Kurzeme Planning Region. Kurzeme Planning Region showed the appropriate capacity for the successful management of the project of such large scale. Nevertheless of the complicated managerial procedures of such large partnership project, the results of the project are significant not just on regional, but as well on the national level of both countries and reaches wide target groups. The projects of the pool “Social Inclusion of Disabled People” mostly include municipal authorities and NGOs of different specialisation. One project is implemented in a rather large partnership (17 partners) and led by the Latvian Office of Euroregion “Country of Lakes”. With such a partnership this project covers almost the whole east part of the programme area in both countries. The pool “Employment Promotion for People with Fewer Opportunities” with just 3 projects contains two types of partners – NGOs as most represented within these projects, the higher education institutions and the vocational education and training institutions. As currently the local authorities and national public institutions share the responsibility on the social inclusion, the larger involvement of the national public institutions shall be encouraged in projects of all pools. That shall ensure the exploitation of the project results among wider target groups in the larger geographical area. The good practice seen in the last pool mentioned above is the involvement of the higher education institutions with the research activities. The involvement of the higher education and research institutions is important, as they may act as drivers for the development of new and innovative approaches that are scientifically justified and proven.

Thematic Analyses 3.1. Main Problems Addressed and Solutions provided The analyses show that the problems and solutions provided by the projects are interrelated among all pools. However, it is possible to identify a set of specific problems for each pool. The table below shows the set of problems addressed by the project of the pool “Development of Health Care and Social Services”.

Table 2. Problems Addressed by the Pool “Development of Health Care and Social Services”

Problems

Projects

The underdeveloped services and a lack of modern methods and new approaches within the medical treatment and social care process

My Response, SocServices, SocSupport

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

The underdeveloped health and social care infrastructure and the equipment in order to ensure better services and safe work conditions for the medical and social staff

SocServices, INISS, FirstAid

Unadapted environment (public buildings, apartment houses, public transport) limits the independence of the disabled and their possibilities to move without restriction. Insufficient introduction of a universal design principle within the society

MyResponse, SocialTaxi

Solutions provided by the projects are different. The infrastructure and the equipment of the health and social care institutions have been improved. The project “SocServices” involved the target group in improving the surrounding infrastructure (the area of a park) of the mental hospital in such proving active outdoor activities for them. The further improvement of the infrastructure and the equipment of the health and social care institutions shall improve the quality of the services provided, the work environment, the safety and a satisfaction of the staff. However most of the health care and social care equipment is specific and consuming the large investments. Therefore the cost – benefit analyses shall be carried out before the preparation of the project and purchase of this equipment in order to justify the sustainability and the value for the money invested against the results. The project “FirstAid” provided the language courses for the medical personal (Latvian language for specialists from Lithuania and vice versa for specialists of Latvia). Such an approach shall be highlighted and supported further for the health and social care institutions located in the border area. As the legislation of both countries set that the health and social care services shall be provided in the national language, currently border areas cannot use the benefits of the cross border exchange of different medical and social professionals that are not available on one side of the border, but are on the other side. In such the accessibility of the social and health care services would improve in the border areas. As most of the health and social care service are available in the development centres (cities), the accessibility to these services by disabled people from border and rural shall be improved. The development of the smart solutions (using ICT and mobile devices) can improve the accessibility to some of these services. Several projects developed new social services and methods in the work with the persons of the social risks. This experience shall be shared with new potential partners. Further development of new, innovative and creative social services shall be encouraged.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

The principles of the universal design shall be further promoted to reach wider target groups (architects, urban planners, public institutions, entrepreneurs, etc.) in order to adapt these principles within the environment. Thus improving the accessibility and transportation opportunities for the disabled people. The table below show the problems addressed by the projects of the pool “Social Inclusion of Disabled People”.

Table 3. Problems Addressed by the Pool “Social Inclusion of Disabled People”

Problems

Projects

Lack of modern methods and new approaches within the social rehabilitation and the social integration

CuredByAnimals, Baltic Hipo

Disabled people face a lack of opportunities to participate in the cultural life, sports and recreation activities and they do not have possibilities to develop and use their creative, artistic and intellectual power

CreationMy Only hope, Cured by Animals, SocNetworking, Baltic Hipo

If care is left up to the family members that take care of the people with fewer opportunities alone, their work and family life suffers as a result and they risk becoming socially excluded

SocNetworking

Most of projects within this pool ensured possibilities for disabled persons and their families to participate in the cultural and sports life. The projects “Cured by Animals” and “SocNetworking” provided new methods for the social rehabilitation of the disabled children and young people. Creative methods through arts, theatre, dancing and singing were used to increase the self-confidence of the disabled people and promote their integration within the social life of the society. The exchange of an experience on the existing and the introduction of new methods to improve the social rehabilitation and the integration of people with fewer opportunities is an outstanding issue for future projects.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

The table below show the problems addressed of the project of the pool “Employment Promotion for People with Fewer Opportunities”.

Table 4. Problems Addressed by the Pool “Employment Promotion for People with Fewer Opportunities”

Problems

Projects

Lack of modern methods and new approaches within professional rehabilitation

MODPART

A certain number of persons are dependent on the social assistance (in financial terms) and has no motivation to retrieve the ability to work and to find a job

BeAble, I CanWork

Lack of specialised (modern and innovative) tools that helps disabled persons meet the employer and vice versa

BeAble

Lack of information showing successful examples of people with disabilities being employed

I CanWork, BeAble,

Besides the identified problems, other different problems exist that have not been covered by these projects. The efficiency of existing measures of the professional rehabilitation of disabled persons should be assessed and improved. The accessibility to the education, in particular, the vocational and higher education, shall be improved thus contribution to the better integration of the people with fewer opportunities within the labour market. There is a lack of more targeted support initiatives for the development of social enterprises that are established by the people with fewer opportunities or primary employs such persons. Apart from the problems identified by the particular pools, it shall be highlighted that the difference between both countries within the set up and overall frame of the social inclusion system puts additional pressure for the smooth and coherent cross border cooperation. The involvement of the policy makers and responsible national institutions within the exchange of best practices of both countries would help in further development of this field and facilitate closer cooperation of regions of both countries.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

3.2 Innovative Approaches and Good Practice Numerous innovative approaches and good practices have been identified within the projects (please see Annex 2 for details). Within the pool “Development of Health Care and Social Services” the innovative approaches of the project “My Response” (led by Kurzeme Planning Region) shall be highlighted. New joint social services – the companion-assistant services and a short time stay services were created that make every day easier for people with disabilities and their family members. This project opened the discussion about the importance of the universal design for the social inclusion of the disabled people and created the swimming facilities for blind people in several beaches. The project “INISS” (led by Rokiskis Psychoneurological Hospital) raised the problem of maintaining good physical health of the patients of the mental hospitals and provided innovative approach in this field. As usually main leisure activities for the patients of mental hospitals are related with the indoor sedentary activities, the project provided the sports infrastructure and facilities for the patients. Moreover, the first joint cross border sporting competition was organised for the patients of both mental hospitals participating within the project. The project “Social Support” applied several innovative approaches and social services for the improvement of the social support provided to the persons of the social risk, e.g. the crisis rooms established, the drama therapy through theatre-related activities introduced to improve the communication skills of the persons of social risk, the craft lessons organised for the development of the work skills and others. Moreover, the practical methodological material was developed providing innovative methods to be used by the social workers to improve not just their work with persons of the social risk, but as well their personal work environment that often leads to the burnout, the progressing pressure of a stress and creating social risks. This methodological material is available on web and can be used by any social worker to improve their work (http://rundalensd.lv/f/uploads/PDOVDSRP-lv-litwww.pdf).

Within the pool “Social Inclusion of Disabled People” the innovative approaches of three projects shall be emphasized. The project “SOC NETWORKING” raised this problem and explored for the solutions related to the family members that care of the disabled children and thus fall under the risk becoming socially excluded of the society and the labour market. Different new solutions were provided – a cross border summer camp gave an opportunity to meet and exchange experiences, whereas the youth summer school provided knowledge and fulfilment for the young people, and for the parents the opportunity to have some time for them, the methodological material “Music of colours” and the database with the information about social services for children with disabilities has been developed. The project “Creation-MyOnlyHope” used new and creative methods for the social integration of the disabled people into the society. The artistic skills of disabled people

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

were developed through the dance, singing, theatre and crafting trainings. Thus through the cultural and arts activities disabled people are integrating within the social life of the society and developing the self-confidence to feel as equal members of the society. The project “Cured by Animals” introduced the unique triple benefit rehabilitation method ‘animal-assisted’ therapy for the disabled children and youth. This method provided triple synchronous benefits – the physical, physiological and social improvement of disabled children and youth. Within the pool “Employment Promotion for People with Fewer Opportunities” two projects shall be highlighted introduction new and innovative approaches. The project “I can work” initiated the discussion on the national level, analysed the experience of other countries and provided policy recommendations about the support and promotion of the social enterprises. The project “MODPART” created the innovative and scientifically justified methods of the professional rehabilitation and the health promotion of people of social risks groups. This method is based on the assessment of job capacities and the psychophysical characteristics of mild mentally impaired persons in order to develop the individual or tailor made professional rehabilitation programme for each person. Thus, increasing the efficiency of the professional rehabilitation in order to integrate persons with fewer opportunities into the labour market.

Good practice by step by step development of the approach – first understanding the context through analysis, then developing strategy and action plan Projects demonstrating logical sequence of actions beginning with the planning of a common cooperation strategy then step by step implementing this strategy through one or several projects are seen as good and efficient practice. In relation to that, two cooperation partners can be mentioned that started their cooperation by the project “Social Support” (led by Rundale Municipality) where common cooperation strategy was elaborated. This cooperation was followed by the project “INISS” and now is continued within the project supported by the LV–LT–BY ENPI CBC programme with new partner from Belarus. Within the project “SOC NETWORKING”, the detailed needs analyses of the target group have been carried out forming further set of tasks for the partnership established within the project in order to improve the quality of social services.

Good practices by the effective use of resources and added value of cross border cooperation The project “Social Support” demonstrated the real value for the money invested against the results achieved. This project with a comparatively small budget has carried out a set of activities reaching wide target groups and ensuring further exploitation of the project results.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

The added value of the cross border knowledge sharing within the project “I CAN WORK” shall be highlighted. Latvia is lagging behind in the provision of appropriate support system for the development of social entrepreneurship and this issue has not been included in the agenda of the policy makers. Whereas the policy makers of Lithuania have initiated this issue and the support system of the social enterprises is being developed. Latvia had an opportunity to learn and gain experience in setting up such support system using the best approach applied.

Good practice by involving different stakeholders and wide target groups Projects, like “Cured by Animals” or “My Response”, involved wide range of different partners from smaller municipalities and other institutions. Through such network smaller municipalities are able to solve the problems of such scale what they would not be able to do alone. A comparatively large partnership ensured the involvement of rather wide target groups in further exploitation of project results in both projects mentioned above. Moreover, different types of partners were involved to maximise the benefits of the knowledge exchange between different actors of both countries, e.g. municipalities, regional bodies, local institutions of social care, NGOs and educational institutions. The project “I CAN WORK” established the cross border partnership different stakeholders of both sides of border – non-governmental organizations, enterprises, employers and the vocational education institutions. Such partnership allowed exchanging experience and finding most appropriate solutions for better integration of the disabled into the labour market, and to reach indirect target groups – employers of the disabled people. The good practice applied within projects “My Response” and “Social Support” to publish in the web all researches and methodological maters prepared (www.kurzemesregions.lv/ sakums/Kurzemes_planosanas_regiona__dokumenti/Projekta_My_Response_materiali and http://rundalensd.lv/f/uploads/PDOVDSRP-lv-lit-www.pdf). Moreover, partners of the project “Social Support” presented the new methodological material to the policy makers and government representatives responsible for the field of social inclusion. The project “Cured by Animals” promoted new ‘Animal-assisted’ therapy to social workers, doctors and parents. Such type of activities facilitates the sustainability and further exploitation of the results by wider target groups in the larger geographical area. The project “I CAN WORK” demonstrated a good practice in reaching wide target groups. The site visits to enterprises and presentations to a large number of potential employers of disabled people were held facilitating the integration of the disabled people into the labour market. The video about the work experience of disabled people has been created and disseminated to the wide audience in both countries.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

3.3 Impact on Target Groups The table below shows target groups addressed by the projects. This field is characterised by rather similar target groups addressed by all project pools.

Table 5. Target Groups of the Projects Divided by Pools of Projects

Target groups

Pools Development of health care and social services

Social inclusion of disabled people

Employment promotion for people with fewer opportunities

Adult persons with disability INISS; My (suffering from physical or mental Response; Social disability) Taxi; SocServices; Social Support

CURED BY MODPART; Be ANIMALS; Creation- able; I CAN MyOnlyHope; SOC WORK NETWORKING

Children with disabilities INISS; My (suffering from physical or mental Response; Social disability) Taxi; SocServices

CURED BY ANIMALS; CreationMyOnlyHope; Baltic Hipo; SOC NETWORKING

Relatives of the persons with My Response disabilities that take care of these persons

CURED BY I CAN WORK ANIMALS; CreationMyOnlyHope; SOC NETWORKING

Problem families and children Social Support from problem families (families that do not look after their children, lead a social life; families in which parents have problems with their children because of their behaviour; women and their children who experience violence) Other risk groups (alcohol and Social Support; drug abusers; persons returned INISS from places of confinement; homeless; persons being in long unemployment etc.) Social workers and other staff of Social Support; health and social care/ support INISS; My institutions Response; Social Taxi; First Aid; SocServices 14

Be able; I CAN WORK, MODPART

CURED BY Be able; I ANIMALS; Creation- CAN WORK, MyOnlyHope; SOC MODPART NETWORKING;

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Projects of the pool “Development of Health Care and Social Services” have addressed the entire target groups identified. These target groups were addressed by improving the health and social care. For instance “First Aid” project improved the equipment in the hospitals to ensure better medical treatment. “INISS” project in a certain way ensured innovative approach to disabled persons – by ensuring sports abilities and organising the international sports competition for disabled persons improving the physical well being of patients of mental hospitals and widening their leisure opportunities. Adult persons and children with disabilities, and their relatives taking care of the disabled have been targeted by the pool “Social Inclusion of Disabled People”. Projects of this pool addressed the target audience by ensuring different socialising activities to improve the ability of disabled persons and to recover their self-confidence to participate in to the social life of the society. Moreover, project “SocNetworking” addressed the relatives (parents) of disabled persons that are usually forgotten by the social care, but actually lacks of the needs to socialising and having a break out of their day-to day duties. Often relatives of disabled as well fall under the social risk, as they should leave a job in order to take care of disabled relatives. Innovative and creative solutions were providing the work and leisure opportunities for the family members. The pool “Employment Promotion for People with Fewer Opportunities” addressed the people that have fewer opportunities to integrate into the labour market. These are mainly adult persons that do not have abilities or possibilities to work. Moreover, this pool in some extent addresses as well the relatives of those persons of social groups that are not able to work. Projects of this pool ensured the development and testing of modern methods of professional rehabilitation of disabled persons ensuring a set of actions that improves the efficiency of the professional rehabilitation and thus more successfully promotes the integration of disabled people into the labour market. As the mainstream tendency of all the projects is to increase the capacity of the social workers or other staff working in the field of health/ social care and social support. The professionals of this field are addressed directly by learning new skills necessary for their day-to day work, by exchanging the experience with other professionals (usually on the other side of border) and getting new methods to improve their work. Indirectly professionals are targeted by ensuring the safe and modern infrastructure and the new equipment. Thus, work conditions, the personal satisfaction and a motivation of the staff were improved. National policy makers can be seen as an indirect target group as several projects have developed policy recommendations in particular field, for instance, project “I CAN WORK” have analysed the possibilities of development of social enterprises and promotion of the employment opportunities of disabled people, and prepared policy recommendations how to improve the situation. The wider society as well can be seen as the indirect target audience as the information about the project outcomes and results is disseminated to wider society, for instance, project “My Response” have increased wide discussion and information campaigns on the principles of Universal design.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

There are several target groups that have not been addressed by the projects and is a further challenge of new projects: the children with the learning difficulties and early school-leavers; people depending on the social welfare system and not willing to integrate into the labour market; people in a precarious situation - offenders, the drug or alcohol abusers; young and/or single parents; orphans and others. In order to solve the needs of the target groups in the best manner, the detailed situation and needs analyses of the target groups shall be carried out before the project implementation. This shall lead to more targeted measures for particular target groups and will better justify the need of the project.

3.4 Project Synergies As this field contains rather homogeneous projects, most of them form a certain synergy. The synergy can be found not just between the projects of one pool, but as well between the projects of different pools. Moreover the analyses show that the projects demonstrate synergies with the initiatives financed by other financial instruments. “I CAN WORK” and “Be able” projects (both led by Public Organization “Union of Disabled Social Enterprises”) both promoted the employment and business opportunities for the people with fewer opportunities. Projects “My Response” and “Social support” demonstrated the synergies both trying to introduce innovative methods and new services within the social care of people with fewer opportunities. “Baltic hipo” and “Cured by Animals” projects both were focused on the use of the animals, in particular horses, for the social rehabilitation of children with disabilities. The projects “My Response” and “SocNetworking” carried out different activities to recover work ability of the relatives of disabled persons thus demonstrating the synergies between the projects of two different pools. “INISS” is good example demonstrating synergies as a sequent project to “SocServices” implemented by 2 partners Rokiskis Psychiatric Hospital and Daugavpils Mental Hospital. The cooperation is continued in a new project “R-D-S Health” with the support of the Latvia–Lithuania–Belarus ENPI CBC programme within wider partnership with the partner from Belarus. The project “I CAN WORK” demonstrated synergies with two former projects financed by EEA Financial Mechanism and Norwegian Financial Mechanism and implemented by Liepaja Society of the Blind. Those projects ensured the information on the education, information accessibility, work and social rehabilitation opportunities for blind people in such demonstrating the synergies not just with a project “I CAN WORK”, but as well with a project “Be able”. Moreover those two projects of Liepaja Society of the Blind were focused on the awareness rising within the society about the importance of the universal design,

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

the improvement of the accessibility of blind people to public institutions and other public objects. Thus the content wise the synergy is demonstrated with “My Response” project (led by Kurzeme Planning Region). The idea of the project “Cured by Animals” (led by Latvian Office of Euroregion “Country of Lakes”) was further developed in the wider partnership with partners from Russia and a new project “Nature Therapy” were implemented by the support of Estonia–Latvia–Russia ENPI CBC programme. Synergy of projects also should be considered as an important criterion for future projects by making cumulative effect and added value not only in project level, but as well as in the Programme level.

3.5 Coherence to the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) All project of the field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development” show rather homogeneous composition like belonging to one family. All projects contribute to the Objective “Increase Prosperity” and Priority Area “Health”. Two projects (“CreationMyOnlyHope” and “SocService”) additionally comply with the Priority Area “Culture” within the same objective. These projects include different cultural activities (sing, dance) and the drama therapy as the tools for the integration of disabled people into the society. Project “I CAN WORK” contribute to the priority area “SME” of the objective mentioned above as this project promotes the social entrepreneurship in different levels among entrepreneurs, among disabled persons. Moreover this project provided policy recommendations on the improvement of the state support for the development of social enterprises. The analyses of the contribution of the projects to the fulfilment of target indicators of EUSBSR show that just three projects have a direct impact on these indicators. Projects “I CAN WORK” and “Be able” might give a positive influence on the increase of the employment rate as both projects mainly deal with promotion of the employment of disabled persons and their integration onto the labour market. Both before mentioned projects might contribute to the positive increase of the Human Development Index by promoting the employment or the business opportunities of disabled persons thus increasing of the income of these persons and the general standard of living. The “FirstAid” project might contribute to the Human Development Index by increasing the life expectancy as the health care infrastructure and the equipment will be improved to ensure better health treatment.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

4. Conclusions and Recommendations • The interest of project applicants about this field has appeared just recently as most of projects were supported within last two calls of proposals. • Therefore from the geographical perspective, at this stage it is possible to identify just coincidental cooperation links and first most active newcomers to this field. Zemgale and Panevezys regions shall be enhanced more actively to participate within the programme as they lag behind to their west and east neighbouring regions. • During the focus group discussion the evaluators observed really high interest by other potential partners in the development of new projects in order to solve common problems within this field. • Projects represent different set of partners depending on the pool; municipalities are represented the most. However the great interest on this topic is seen as well by different type of NGOs. • As currently the local authorities and national public institutions share the responsibility on the social inclusion, the larger involvement of the national public institutions shall be encouraged in projects of all pools. That shall ensure the exploitation of the project results among wider target groups in larger geographical area. • The involvement of the higher education and research institutions is important, as they may act as drivers for the development of new and innovative approaches that are scientifically justified and proven. • The analysis shows that projects in the field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development” have impact on the development of the health and social care system. However this field has limited number of projects comparing to other fields therefore we cannot assert that there is major significance. Nevertheless the results achieved by the projects are important for the target groups covered. • The analyses show that the problems and solutions provided by the projects are interrelated among all pools, but having certain specifics in each pool. • New projects shall continue providing the solutions for the problems identified, as they still exist. • The further improvement of the infrastructure and the equipment of the health and social care institutions shall be needed. However the cost – benefit analyses shall be carried out before the preparation of the project in order to justify the sustainability and the value for the money invested against the results. • As most of the health and social care services are available in the development centres (cities), the accessibility to these services by disabled people from border and rural areas shall be improved. The development of the smart solutions (using ICT and mobile devices) can improve the accessibility to some of these services.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

• Language courses of Latvian and Lithuanian for the staff of health and social care institutions located in the border areas would be beneficial allowing the cross border exchange of missing social and medical specialists. • Further development of new, innovative and creative social services shall be encouraged. • The principles of the Universal design shall be further promoted to reach wider target groups (architects, urban planners, public institutions, entrepreneurs, etc.) in order to adapt these principles within the environment. • The exchange of an experience on the existing and the introduction of new methods to improve the social rehabilitation and the integration of people with fewer opportunities are outstanding issues for future projects. • The efficiency of existing measures of the professional rehabilitation of disabled persons should be assessed and improved. • The accessibility to the education, in particular, the vocational and higher education shall be improved thus contributing to the better integration of the people with fewer opportunities within the labour market. • There is a lack of more targeted support initiatives for the development of social enterprises that are established by the people with fewer opportunities or primary employs such persons. • The difference between both countries within the set up and overall frame of the social inclusion system puts additional pressure for the smooth and coherent cross border cooperation. The involvement of the policy makers and responsible national institutions within the exchange of best practices of both countries would help in further development of this field and facilitate closer cooperation of regions of both countries. • There are several target groups that have not been addressed by the projects and are a further challenge of new projects. • In order to solve the needs of the target groups in the best manner, the detailed situation and needs analyses of the target groups shall be carried out before the project implementation thus ensuring more targeted activities for particular target groups. • Projects have demonstrated innovative approaches and good practices that shall be shared. • Projects like one family have contributed to particular objectives and priority areas of EUSBSR. • Synergy of projects also should be considered as an important criterion for future projects by making cumulative effect and added value not only on the project level, but as well as on the Programme level.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Annex 1 – List of evaluation questions Content of the report

Evaluation questions

1. Methodology

n/a

2. Thematic background 2.1.Thematic regional development context

What is an overall thematic regional development context?

2.2. Pools of projects addressing regional development challenges

What are mainstream (intervention) fields comprising pools of projects?

2.3. Geographical aspects of partnerships established

1. What are the geographical aspects of partnerships established? 2. Are there any trends in forming partnerships by particular stakeholders within each pool?

3. Thematic Analyses 3.1. Main problems addressed and solutions provided

1. What are common regional development problems, difficulties and challenges addressed by projects? 2. Are there any new opportunities identified or created? 3. How pools of projects are compliant/ related to regional development problems identified? 4. What are the solutions provided by the projects?

3.2. Innovative approaches and good practice

1. What are the innovative approaches and good practice? 2. What are common challenges and success cases/ stories? 3. What are different solutions to common problems? 4. What is added value of cross border cooperation? 5. What are most significant results and best examples to be of interest of other regions? 6. What are main preconditions for the transfer of good practice identified?

3.3. Main target groups having impact by projects

1. What are main target groups addressed by each pool of projects? 2. What are mainstream results achieved by projects? 3. Is there any impact of the results on target groups?

3.4. Project synergies

1. Synergies with other projects and EU programmes within regions. 2. Cumulative effects of supported projects.

3.5. Coherence to the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR)

How and to what extent projects comply to the objectives and priority areas of EUSBSR?

4. Conclusions and recommendations

1. Key issues to potential applicants and projects. 2. Key issues to programme management bodies. 3. Key issues to local, regional, national and if applicable to EU stakeholders, policy makers.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Annex 2 – Innovative Approaches and Good Practises Table 1. Overview of innovative approaches and good practices within the project pool “Development of Health Care and Social Services”

Project

The innovative approaches and good practices

My Response

The project focuses on the reducing the difficulties faced by the disabled people. The training of social care specialists were organised to improve their skills, new social services were developed, the infrastructure improved and a Universal design principles were explored. Moreover the research was carried out about the accessibility of social services and the public institutions/ places in both countries. This research shows the existing problems related to the social integration of people with fewer opportunities in the regions covered by the project. Innovative approach – new joint social services – the Companionassistant services and a short time stay services that make every day easier for people with disabilities and their family members. The companion-assistant is a person, who helps children, adults and aged persons with disabilities by different set of tasks including a help with basic needs outside the home, accompanying the to social events, swimming, medical appointments, sports and leisure activities etc. Then companion assistant helps disable people to move and take care of him/her self independently at the educational institutions, workplace and in other different institutions and places. The short time stay services are foreseen for the persons with mental disabilities. This includes care and meaningful day spending opportunities for fixed-term period (up to 30 days). Guidelines and methodological materials about both new services have been prepared and published on the web (see below). Several beaches were upgraded with the facilities for blind people giving the swimming possibilities for them, which they did not have before. Project initiated the discussions within the society and among professional about the role of the Universal design in the social integration of the disabled people. Good practice is found in several aspects. Project involved different type of partners to maximise the exchange of knowledge between different actors of both countries, e.g. municipalities, regional bodies, local institutions of social care, NGOs and educational institutions. Moreover project comprised partnership of 13 partners thus ensuring involvement of rather wide target groups.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

The researches carried out within the project can serve as the base for identifying new challenges to be solved in future projects by the partnership established. The lead partner has published on the web all the information and materials produced within the project. This information is comprehensive and allows further exploitation of the project results by the target audience interested within the issues raised by project. This is one of best examples among the projects of this field in publishing the project materials for the benefit of the wider target audience. This definitely shall ensure sustainability of the project results. www.kurzemesregions.lv/sakums/Kurzemes_planosanas_regiona__ dokumenti/Projekta_My_Response_materiali Lead partner: Kurzeme Planning Region; Other partners: Ventspils City Municipality Body „The Social Service of Ventspils City Council”, Liepaja City Council, Kuldiga County Municipal Agency “Social Service Office”, Dundaga Municipality, Nica County Council, Skrunda County Council, Saldus Amalgamated Municipality, PI “Siauliai Region Develompent Agency”, NGO Educational Projects, Joniskis “Saules” Basic School, BI Klaipeda City Social Support Centre, Klaipeda City Municipality Administration INISS

Within this project partners jointly developed new psychosocial rehabilitation programmes related to the promotion of the education and physical (sports) activities of patients of both mental hospitals. Innovative approach – usually the rest and leisure activities of patients of mental hospitals are related to indoors activities without major physical activities. However people with mental disabilities also have to maintain good physical condition. To maintain a good physical health, the infrastructure of sports facilities was developed within the projects. Patients at both hospitals now have sporting fields available and tracks for bike riding and skating in Rokiskis. New infrastructure enabled the patients of the both hospitals to meet and compete in their first joint sporting competition, which is new and some extent innovative approach in this field. Good practice – the cooperation between both partners have been initiated in the former project “SocServices” where the joint cooperation strategy was developed. Project partners demonstrated the good practice in a step-by-step development of the partnership – starting with a joint strategy and then acting within two sequent projects. Lead partner: Rokiskis Psychoneurological Daugavpils Psychoneurological Hospital

Hospital;

Partner:

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Social Support

The project focuses on the improvement of the work of the social workers with social risk persons. The general work conditions of the social workers are hard and often they may burnout solving the problems of the persons of social risk. Not always the work with the social risk persons show the efficiency and leads to the successful results of reducing the social risks that creates the social exclusion. This project was exploring new solutions to be applied to improve the problems mentioned above. Innovative approach – a new social service were developed providing the crisis rooms for the persons of the social risk. To improve the work with the persons of social risks the innovative social work methods were introduced: the drama therapy through theatrerelated activities help to improve the communication skills of the persons of social risk, the craft lessons ensure the development of the work skills, the international summer school widens the horizon for searching of new opportunities to reduce the social risks for some of them. The methodological material was developed identifying existing problems and weaknesses in the social work and providing a list of innovative approaches on how to improve the work of social workers (e.g. personal development methods to ensure self – confidence and resistance against stress, methods of Helinger to solve personal psychological problems and addictions to alcoholic and other toxin substances, group works, brainstorming, etc.). This allowed providing the solutions for the problems unsolved before within this field related to the work environment of social workers that often leads to the burnout and the progressing pressure of a stress. This methodological material is available on web and can be used by any social worker to improve their work (http://rundalensd. lv/f/uploads/PDOVDSRP-lv-lit-www.pdf). This facilitates further exploitation of the results by wider target groups, which is a good practice. Moreover the project partners presented the new methodologies to the policy makers and government representatives responsible for the field of social inclusion. This is seen as a good practice in promotion of the further exploitation of projects results among wider target groups in the larger geographical area. Lead partner: Rundale Municipality; Other Municipality, Pakruojis Distric Municipality

partners:

Iecava

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Table 2. Overview of innovative approaches and good practices within the project pool “Social Inclusion of Disabled People”

Project

The innovative approaches and good practices

SOC NETWORKING

Within the project the cooperation network between public institutions and NGOs in Zemgale and North Lithuania cross border regions were created in order to develop the social services for disable people, in particular, children and their family members. Children with functional disabilities often require attention and care 24 hours a day and if this care is left up to the family members, their work and social life suffers. Thus the family members risk becoming socially excluded of the society and the labour market. This problem has not been solved before within the field. Innovative approach – the project raised this issue and explored for the solutions. The project demonstrated the added value of the knowledge exchange bringing the best experience from Lithuania to Latvia in the care of the children, thereby giving the parents a break. New forms of social care services have been developed. A cross border summer camp provided an opportunity to meet and exchange experiences, whereas the youth summer school provided knowledge and fulfilment for the young people, and for the parents the opportunity to have some time for them. The methodological material “Music of colours” was developed to facilitate the work with the disabled children. A database with the information about social services for children and young people with disabilities has been developed. Good practice: The lead partner ensured the involvement of several local authorities within the project as indirect target groups in such ensuring the involvement of wider target groups. The detailed needs analyses of the target group (disabled children and their family members) have been carried out forming further set of tasks for the partnership established within the project in order to improve the quality of social services. This research is available in web. (www.zemgale.lv/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_ view&gid=136&Itemid=100129) Lead partner: Zemgale Planning Region; Other partners: Day Activities Centre (of Kretinga), Lithuanian Welfare Society for Persons with Mental Disabilities Klaipeda Viltis

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

CreationMyOnlyHope

The focus of the project was on the development of the artistic skills of disabled people through the dance, singing, theatre and crafting trainings. Innovative approach: These are new and creative methods how through the cultural and arts activities to integrate disabled people within the social life of the society and to develop self-confidence these people to feel as equal members of the society. Lead partner: Centre of Culture of Zarasai Municipality; Partner: Culture Department of Daugavpils Amalgamated Municipality

Cured by Animals

Innovative approach: the project introduced the unique triple benefit rehabilitation method ‘animal-assisted’ therapy for the disabled children and youth. This method provided triple synchronous benefits – the physical, physiological and social improvement of disabled children and youth. Good practice – the project covered sixteen municipalities of both sides of the border thus ensuring the involvement of wide target groups. ‘Animal-assisted’ therapy was promoted to social workers, doctors and parents to ensure sustainability and further exploitation of project results. Lead partner: Latvian Office of Euroregion “Country of Lakes”; Other partners: Karsava Municipality, Ludza Municipality, Rezekne City Council, Rezekne Local Municipality, Vilani Municipality, Riebini Municipality, Preili Municipality, Aglona Municipality, Kraslava Municipality, Dagda Municipality, Daugavpils Local Municipality, Ilukste Municipality, Visaginas Children Support Centre, Didžiasalis Children‘s Care and Social Support for the Family Center, Utena Children Social Support and Development Centre, Anyksciai District Municipality Administration

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Table 3. Overview of innovative approaches and good practices within the project pool “Employment Promotion for People with Fewer Opportunities”

Project

The innovative approaches and good practices

I can work

The main objective of the project is to increase the number of employed persons with disabilities in Latvia and Lithuania target area promoting the employment opportunities and experiences of disabled and educating the public. New approach: Within the project detailed analyses has been carried out and policy messages defined in relation to the promotion of the social entrepreneurship, which is common topic within EU institutions, but not sufficiently covered issue among the policy makers within LV and LT. Good practice: This project demonstrated the added value of the cross border cooperation through the sharing of best practices between different stakeholders of both sides of border – non-governmental organizations, enterprises, employers and the vocational education institutions. The added value of the cross border knowledge sharing shall be highlighted. Latvia is lagging behind in the provision of appropriate support system for the development of social entrepreneurship and this issue has not been included in the agenda of the policy makers. Whereas the policy makers of Lithuania have initiated this issue and the support system of the social enterprises is being developed. Latvia had an opportunity to learn and gain experience in setting up such support system using the best approach applied. The analysis of legislation of the different EU countries concerning the integration of disabled in to the labour market was done and published in Latvian and Lithuanian languages. The research results are presented to the national public authorities and policy makers in order to facilitate the inclusion of the disabled people into the labour market (http://www.redzigaismu.lv/lat/projekti/realizetie-projekti/ projekts-es-varu-stradat/aktivitate-likumdosanas-petijums/). The video about working opportunities and the work experience of disabled people has been created and disseminated to the wide audience in both countries. The site visits to enterprises and presentations to a large number (106) of potential employers of disabled people were held facilitating the integration of the disabled people into the labour market.

Capitalisation Report, Field â&#x20AC;&#x153;Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Developmentâ&#x20AC;?

MODPART

Currently different institutions provide the professional rehabilitation programmes for persons of the social risk. However most of them are not efficient as low number of the persons of social risk recover their ability successfully integrate in the labour market. This project was seeking for the solutions to improve the efficiency of the professional rehabilitation. Innovative approach: innovative and scientifically justified methods of the professional rehabilitation and the health promotion of people of social risks groups were created. This method stimulates the social risk persons to integrate into the labour market. This new method allows the assessment of job capacities and the psychophysical characteristics of mild mentally impaired persons (project target group) using ERGO2 equipment. Then this assessment is used for the development of individual professional rehabilitation programme for each person. During the project this method was tested, 50 persons were assessed and got the individual professional rehabilitation programmes. New The laboratory of professional rehabilitation of people of social risk groups was established in order to facilitate further development of innovative methods within this field.

Capitalisation Report, Field “Social Inclusion as Precondition of Territorial Development”

Annex 3 – Map of Projects Divided by Pools (topics)