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By Delphine Chilese-Lemarinier, Head of EU Affairs & Eunice Valerio, Head of Legal & Public Affairs, Edenred  

In inflationary contexts, the stability and well-being of citizens become increasingly precarious. Last September, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index reported a 3% increase in food prices from August, marking the largest month-on-month increase since March 2022. With 21.4% of the EU population already at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2023[1] and a rising of the cost of living, the strain on individuals and families further intensifies. In such tumultuous times, the significance of social vouchers, as instruments to implement social benefits and policies, cannot be overstated.

Social benefits play a pivotal role in supporting individuals, fostering a more robust economy, enhancing societal well-being, and bolstering the State.

The Portuguese NGO Banco Alimentar contra a Fome[2] revealed a concerning trend in Portugal: a surge in the number of employed individuals seeking assistance. The FOOD Barometer 2023, conducted annually by Edenred and its partners, indicated that half of Portuguese people allocate more than 30% of their monthly budget towards food expenses, with 17% spending over 40%. Additionally, amidst rising food prices, a significant proportion of individuals report exhausting their food allowance vouchers by the end of the month, hindering their ability to access adequate and nutritious food.

The ramifications of diminished purchasing power extend beyond individual well-being, encompassing broader economic and societal implications. Adequate nutrition is fundamental to overall well-being and health, directly influencing state expenditure on healthcare. Data from a 2023 study by Professor Jorge Bravo from UNL illustrates the substantial economic multiplier effect of consumption through meal vouchers, with each euro spent generating 3.15 euros in economic activity and contributing to a 2.1 euro increase in GDP, in Portugal. This underscores the pivotal role of social benefits in stimulating economic activity and bolstering overall economic resilience in the face of inflationary pressures.

The advantages of social benefits extend beyond addressing food insecurity and inflationary pressures to encompass diverse areas. In the realm of education, social benefits facilitate access to education for all individuals, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Similarly, for childcare, social benefits alleviate the financial burden on families and enable access to affordable and high-quality childcare services.

Social benefits directed towards training and skill development serve as a catalyst for enhancing employability, fostering economic mobility and reducing unemployment rates. In the sphere of health, social benefits play a pivotal role in ensuring access to essential healthcare services, medications, and preventive care for vulnerable populations.

Moreover, social benefits for senior assistance address the needs of elderly people, promoting dignified ageing, social inclusion, and overall quality of life for seniors. Incorporating these diverse facets of social benefits into comprehensive support frameworks underscores their broader societal impact, fostering a more equitable and resilient social fabric.

The provision of social benefits and vouchers is crucial to safeguard the well-being and economic stability of workers and citizens in the face of inflationary pressures. By leveraging the advantages of social benefits in education, childcare, training, health, and senior assistance, policymakers and stakeholders can create a more comprehensive and effective social support system that fosters equitable opportunities and well-being for all.

[1] According to Eurostat

[2] Food Bank against Hunger

Service Delivery Winner: Coffee and Community: Tackling Rural Isolation

The Rural Coffee Caravan’s project addresses the isolation and loneliness of older people in rural areas, which often leads them to feel disconnected in their communities.

Discover the transformative journey of the Rural Coffee Caravan, United Kingdom as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, Coffee and Community: Tackling Rural Isolation.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

We are thrilled and overwhelmed to win this award. We are a small rural charity, so to not only receive this recognition outside the UK but to be able to share what we do, with European friends has been such a special experience for us and such a boost for all our staff and volunteers.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2023 European Social Services Awards?

It was suggested to us by our local authority.

What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

To learn from and be inspired by projects across Europe. We are always looking for ways to improve and extend our offer. We have a very simple but effective model than can be relatively easily recreated anywhere, so it is a wonderful opportunity for us to hopefully inspire similar projects in other countries.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

Every individual who we come into contact is provided with support tailored to them. Eg not being forced to take part in group activities/conversations unless they so wish, providing information and advice tailored to people circumstances, welfare checks for those who do not attend as scheduled etc. Our team know their clientele so well and cater to their needs, be it emotional, physical or even dietary eg how people like their cups of tea/ or someone with diabetes who can only eat low sugar cakes. The impact of this is that people feel they matter, they are not just a number, trust is developed as relationships go beyond just alleviating loneliness.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

I think it’s our simplicity. The fact that we go to where the isolated and lonely people are and give them support and a warm welcoming environment in which they can connect with each other, where they live. These connections strengthen their community and enable them to support each other. I thinks it’s also the obvious passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers. We work closely as a team and support each other as well as our clientele. We will always go that extra mile because we care.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

The whole awards experience has been an uplifting one. To be in a space with so many people dedicated to improving lives and caring for vulnerable people has been both heartwarming and inspiring. To be able to see and learn how other countries deal with the issues we all face is both a humbling experience and a privilege. Its feels good to be part of something bigger than ourselves, a European community on a kindness driven mission, together!

Collaborative Practice Winner: The Sharing Factory

The Sharing Factory is a social and ecological shopping centre that promotes sharing as an alternative to ownership within the concept of the circular economy. A collaboration between government agencies, third-sector organisations and volunteers, the Sharing Factory hosts multiple shops offering items for shared and temporary use, such as clothing, household appliances, and bikes.

Discover the transformative journey of the Public Centre for Social Welfare Kortrijk, Belgium, as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, The Sharing Factory.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

We have been working on the project for several years, and it involves many people from different sectors and organizations who have all worked very hard. It is therefore very nice to be recognized for this work through the ESSA award. Participating and winning also gave us the opportunity to introduce our project to a very wide audience that we would not reach on our own.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2022 European Social Services Awards?

Because we are very proud of our project, which is a good example of a unique collaborative practice between different levels of government, public agencies, services, third and private sector organizations and dozens of volunteers all working together to improve the lives of vulnerable target groups.

What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

Networking, and getting to know projects and policies of other social service providers. Also, to receive feedback on the own social projects and policies from a broader context, and learning what is going on at EU level.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

De Deelfabriek is open to anyone interested in circular economy, but for vulnerable target groups specific services are in place: a family support worker who guides people coming out of necessity, to community case managers who organize person-centered care. Secondly, it is a social workplace for the work experience programs from the Public Centre of Social Welfare (PCSW). Thirdly, De Deelfabriek houses a spin off of the social restaurant ‘VORK’ and a social grocer with income-related prices. Finally, De Deelfabriek is the new operating base for the neighborhood development and community work from the city and the PCSW.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

It is a project that appeals to all sections of the population without stigmatizing the target groups that benefit from it the most.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

To gain recognition from a whole network of social service providers from all over Europe, especially for the hard work that field workers put in every day.

Excellence in Cities Winner: Social Atelier

The Social Atelier was established through an ongoing successful collaboration between the City of Osijek and DKolektiv – organisation for social development. This community centre provides a platform fostering dialogue and empowering disadvantaged, underrepresented and vulnerable groups, enabling professionals from different disciplines to work more closely together.

Discover the transformative journey of the City of Osijek, Croatia, as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, Social Atelier.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

Winning the European Social Services Award is a tremendous honour for The Social Atelier and City of Osijek. It signifies the acknowledgment of our dedicated efforts in fostering dialogue, empowering marginalized groups or underrepresented individuals, and promoting community development. This recognition not only boosts morale but also brings a sense of pride and accomplishment to our organization. It reaffirms our commitment to positive social change and motivates us to continue our mission with even greater enthusiasm.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2022 European Social Services Awards?

We chose to apply for the 2023 European Social Services Awards because we believe in the power of sharing successful practices and learning from other organizations across Europe. Being part of this experience provides an opportunity to showcase our work on an international stage, allowing us to contribute to the broader discourse on social development. We saw it as a chance to exchange ideas, gain insights, and inspire others while also learning from the experiences of fellow social service providers.

What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

The added value of being part of a European network is immense for our organization. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, innovative approaches, and successful projects among diverse actors in the social services sector. This collaborative environment enables us to broaden our perspective, enhance our strategies, and adapt proven methods to our local context. By sharing our experiences and learning from others, we contribute to a collective effort aimed at addressing societal challenges more effectively. This interconnectedness strengthens the social fabric across Europe and promotes a unified approach to creating inclusive societies.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

Our project champions person-centred care by prioritizing individuals’ voices and needs. Through dialogue and empowering marginalized groups, we collaboratively design activities, encouraging active community participation. This inclusive approach not only tailors services to unique circumstances but also empowers individuals to actively shape their own futures. Our emphasis on long-term empowerment involves community members taking the lead in addressing challenges, fostering a resilient and self-sufficient community over time.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

The key reasons for the success of our project lie in our commitment to fostering dialogue, empowering marginalized groups or underrepresented individuals, and promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving. Our community-centered approach actively involves individuals in over 300 activities, leading to more than 4,000 visits to the community centre. The success is rooted in the genuine partnerships formed between the City of Osijek and DKolektiv, as well as the active engagement of the community, with over 700 individuals participating. Additionally, our evidence-based community work ensures that our initiatives are impactful and address the real needs of the community.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

Organizations should consider entering the Awards in 2024 to gain recognition on a European stage, fostering collaboration and learning from peers across the continent. The Awards provide a platform to showcase successful initiatives, share valuable experiences, and contribute to the collective effort of advancing social services. The opportunity to be part of a prestigious network allows organizations to amplify their impact, learn from diverse approaches, and inspire others. Entering the Awards in 2024 is a chance to not only celebrate achievements but also to actively contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of social services in Europe.

Workforce Support Winner: PYCIPEDIA: Knowledge Sharing Platform to Connect Specialist Social Workers

To better support the social workers the wiki-type collaborative platform PYCIPEDIA was developed to allow social workers across Sweden to connect, create, browse, and share training materials with each other and with parents of children with intellectual disabilities.

Discover the transformative journey of the Linköping Municipality R&D Centre & IT University of Copenhagen, Sweden, as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, PYCIPEDIA: Knowledge Sharing Platform to Connect Specialist Social Workers.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

Coming from a university organization the award is an important example of research impact that goes beyond traditional research dissemination activities like publish scientific papers. The award is a recognition from the social service community that our work is relevant also for them.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2022 European Social Services Awards?

We had a project that we thought matched this year’s topic and it was an intriguing way to talk about, and disseminate, our work to a larger and relevant audience.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

It supports ‘workforce support’ related to Person-centred care by providing specialist social workers access to a platform that, in turn, allow the social workers to create a community across municipal borders. The platform allows the specialist social workers to browse, create and share training materials for their clients and best practices. A forum and other resources also allow the workers to discuss and exchange knowledge about their work. They can also share relevant material directly with the clients via a smartphone app. The creation of a professional and collaborative community of specialist social workers across municipality borders supports person-centred care.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

Active involvement of the target group already in the definition of the project, co-design and engaged social workers, a mix of different competences (social work, IT, design, research, etc), organizational support.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

It is a great opportunity to reflect on what you have done, to disseminate your work (as each nominated contribution must talk about their work to get votes for example), networking, and naturally for the fame and glory.

Digital Transformation Winner: Automating Social Protection for Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy has a pressing challenge to provide social protection and benefits to many internally displaced persons. To tackle this problem, a new platform was developed which centralises appointments and payment processes, supporting almost 2.5 million internally displaced people, enabling the government to monitor their social protection efforts.

Discover the transformative journey of the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy and Ministry of Digital Transformation & Medirent, as they share their remarkable story of innovation and community impact through their award-winning project, Automating Social Protection for Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine.

What does winning an European Social Services Award mean for your organisation? How do you feel about this recognition and experience?

Winning the European Social Services Award is a significant recognition of our collective efforts and dedication towards providing person-centred care. It provides us with validation that our innovative and strategic approach to integrating technology and digitization in social services is effective. This distinction not only bolsters our drive to continue improving our services but also highlights the international acknowledgment of our contribution to assisting internally displaced persons, which is crucial for our mission.

Why did you choose to apply for the 2022 European Social Services Awards?

Our decision to apply for the 2023 European Social Services Awards is motivated by the opportunity it provides. This not only allows us to demonstrate the success of our initiatives but also positions us to play a significant role in shaping and improving social services across Europe.

What is the added value of being part of a European Network for your organisation? Why is it important to share practice and projects with other actors across Europe?

It fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas, enabling us to learn from diverse practices and projects across Europe. This sharing of experiences enhances our own strategies and approaches, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of effective social services. The collaborative environment within the network promotes innovation, allows us to stay informed about best practices, and ultimately strengthens our ability to address the complex challenges faced by individuals and communities.

How does your winning project support person-centred care?

Our project, by automating social protection for internally displaced persons, has been instrumental in delivering person-centred care. By centralizing appointments, accrual, and payment processes using the Unified Information System of the Social Sphere (UISSS), we have been able to ensure that the needs of each individual are met efficiently and effectively. The automation has not only reduced the workload of social workers but also enabled us to personalize our care to suit each individual’s unique circumstances. We have been able to reach and assist nearly 2.5 million internally displaced persons, empowering them and enhancing their independence within their communities. Furthermore, the use of digital tools has allowed us to closely monitor and analyze our efforts, which helps us continuously improve our services.

What were the key reasons for the success of your project?

The project “Automation of Social Protection for Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine” is a vivid confirmation of how effective collaboration between different structures and public-private partnerships enables addressing complex social issues in extreme conditions. It underscores the importance of digital technologies in efficient management of social processes.

Why should an organisation enter the Awards in 2024?

Organisations should participate in the 2024 awards because it provides a platform to showcase their initiatives, exchange knowledge, and learn from other innovative practices. The awards highlight the remarkable work being done in the field of social services, which can inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence. Furthermore, it’s a valuable opportunity for organizations to gain recognition for their hard work and commitment to improving their services and making a tangible difference in their communities.

By Delphine Chilese-Lemarinier, Head of EU Affairs, Edenred

 ESN and Edenred have a long-lasting partnership. We notably appreciate exchanges with ESN members and team, to create dialogue with pioneers in the social services sector. For us, it is essential to discuss with delegates in charge of social services/policies and with beneficiaries of services to better assess their objectives, willingness and needs, and outcomes of the programmes we develop. Consequently, we can efficiently adapt our solutions to make them as efficient and near to the needs as possible.

In that perspective, the Awards 2023 theme is particularly accurate. Edenred notably implement and deploy solutions to support personal and household services sector (PHS). PHS includes a broad range of activities mainly carried out in households and related to personal assistance (early childhood and education care, childcare, long-term care in situations of dependence, disability, invalidity, etc.), broadly identified as “care-related services”, and to activities of daily living (cleaning, ironing, gardening, small DIY, maintenance, remedial classes, etc.) united under the term of “household support services” or “indirect care services”.

For instance, in France, as of 2006, the Chèque Emploi Service (CESU) préfinancé programme enables a third party to prefund the purchase of PHS. It is used either by companies to ease their employees’ work-life balance or, under the name of Social CESU, by local authorities and social agencies to distribute social allowances. Each beneficiary receives named vouchers worth a predefined amount which can be used to access personal and household services.

Social CESU can notably be considered as a tool to increase the efficiency of the distribution of allowances to targeted citizens. It is issued on behalf of local authorities, in order to distribute subsidies or allowances for senior citizens, person in need of nursing care or disabled people. Such allocations are essentially aimed at supporting senior and disabled citizens to stay independent at home. Beneficiaries of social CESU have the possibility to choose among various services providers. Empowering them with this role is essential to ensure trust with the provider of services and to support better working conditions for professional workers.

Furthermore, by using Social CESU voucher, local authorities benefit from a traceability of social allowances as well as the possibility to adapt the allowance depending on beneficiaries’ needs and to get reimbursed of vouchers that have not been used (in 2020, €72,8 million out of the amounts distributed in 2019).

“All over Europe, PHS social vouchers have proven their effectiveness in promoting care solutions focused on people’s needs and desire enabling them to age well in their own home according to their own preferences” highlights Aurélie Decker, Director of the European Federation for Services to Individuals. The CESU voucher is one innovative solution, among many, which can be used by public authorities to better answer citizens needs while, at the same time, creating decent working conditions for workers in the social care sector.

Macrosad, an Andalusian cooperative providing education and care for people in their childhood and old age, is piloting technology at its Benalmádena centre to promote the autonomy of elderly people.

Thanks to collaboration with the University of Malaga (UMA), users of the Macrosad Arroyo de la Miel Residence are testing a prototype of an intelligent walker which prevents falls.

This is not the first time that the co-operative has taken part in this type of innovative initiative, as it has already developed other pioneering projects in the field of ageing through its Innovation ecosystem.

Macrosad continues to work on initiatives and projects to improve the quality of life of the elderly in all its centres and services, a commitment which is materialised through its Social R&D ecosystem, which also includes the Ageing Lab Foundation, the Macrosad Chair in Intergenerational Studies, the Macrosad Chair of Green Social Work and the R&D&I Chair for the prevention of Dependency, through which innovative actions will be developed, with the aim of promoting new spaces for research and technological and social innovation, around the prevention of dependency and the promotion of personal autonomy.

In this sense, the Macrosad Arroyo de la Miel Residence, the first centre under the Senior Premium model, which proposes a new approach to personalised, exclusive and flexible care, has become the chosen scenario for the development of a pilot project, which began last July, The University of Malaga’s electronic technology research group has designed the first open-source, customisable robotic walker called Walkit, which consists of a modular kit that converts the traditional walker into an intelligent assistant, monitors steps, compensates for motor difficulties and prevents falls. Thanks to this innovative device, users will have greater autonomy and improved locomotor skills.

Training is one of the lines of research of the R&D&I Chair for the Prevention of Dependency. Recently, with the aim of generating research interest in professionals and students, the Chair has created the Dependency Prevention Classroom, whose central axes are prevention and intergenerationality, one of Macrosad’s hallmarks, an approach it has been working on for more than 15 years, and the Dependency questionnaire, which is currently in the process of validation, which will measure the risk of suffering dependency through the answers obtained.

The research teaching team of the Chair, the students of the UMA’s degree in Social Work and the social intervention professionals of the Macrosad cooperative will participate in this innovative research initiative, focused on preventive aspects in the field of Dependency, as well as on training for professionals in the sector with the aim of acquiring competencies and skills that will contribute to improving care and intervention.

By Fundación ONCE

Radia is the first national programme aimed at university women students with disabilities who will  be trained and employed in digital economy companies, with an innovative and successful methodology, as it is individualized and focused on the characteristics of each person. It combines theory, practice, mentoring and tutoring and has key allies for the professional inclusion  process: companies (only in 2020 –our first edition—15 companies joined).

The aim of this programme is to offer specific training in digital technology and to employ women with disabilities who are university graduates in digital work environments using an innovative methodology that combines:

1) Classroom and virtual training

2) Mentoring

3) Training internships in technical areas of some leading companies in their sector with the option of subsequent employment in those companies.

This annual programme involves 50 female university students with disabilities from all over Spain. It is divided into three phases: Brain Storm (26 masterclasses with high profile technological experts); Mentor Women (20 mentoring sessions with leading professionals in the field of technology) and Real Work (internships in leading companies in the field of technology). The three phases focus on the latest topics in digital transformation:AI, Cybersecurity and big data.

The intended impact is to increase the number of women in technology careers and specially to guarantee that women with disabilities have the opportunity to work in these highly skilled jobs. In addition, we involve companies in the training, recruitment and employment of people with disabilities, challenging role assumptions and breaking down stereotypes about the work capabilities of women with disabilities.

Visit here for more information