COMMUNITIES INCLUDE - an initiative for universal access basic social services in the community
Rehabilitation center for stress and trauma ·Croatia
About this project
<p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">The project address regional inequalities in accessibility of social services, unequal development of social services for different beneficiaries, weak coordination and lack of sustainability. Poor collaboration and transparency between policy makers, local stakeholders and civil society parallel with insufficient evidence-base in policy making contributes to such state. It aims to strengthen civil society's advocacy position and dialogue with policy makers in order to achieve transparency and universal access to basic social services for vulnerable groups. Specific objectives: 1. creating evidence-base for developing and advocating policies of universal access to basic social services, through research and structured dialogue with stakeholders; 2. improving transparency and efficiency of planning, monitoring, assessing the availability and quality of social services; 3. Increasing awareness and support to the initiative for universal access to basic social services. Key activities: comprehensive scientific research followed with development of policy framework and implementation model for universal access to basic social services; empowering local officials and social service providers and developing digital tools to facilitate and increase transparency in planning and organizing social services according to the proposed model and monitoring quality; advocacy campaign carried out by the Initiative for Universal Access to Basic Social Services, formed in the project. Partner Study Centre for Social Work will lead research and policy development activities while donor state partner Einurd will contribute to capacity building in the field of community development and integration of services. </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">Target groups including social service beneficiaries are not specifically addressed based on their gender, age or race; this project is relevant for Transparency and anti-corruption policy marker.</span></span></p>
Bilateral cooperation results
The project greatly benefited from its collaboration with the bilateral partner, Einrud from Iceland, whose expertise in inclusive social services was crucial. Einrud’s experience shaped the educational framework, enhancing the capacity of Croatian stakeholders. Through this partnership, a training program was developed for the advocacy coalition, equipping them with the skills needed to work with decision-makers. A study visit to Iceland deepened participants' understanding by showcasing social service integration, helping the coalition advocate for inclusive policies in Croatia. One significant benefit was the coalition’s increased advocacy capacity. With Einrud’s guidance, coalition members gained tools and strategies to engage effectively with local decision-makers, promoting the integration of inclusive social services and driving more informed policy discussions. Additionally, the partnership contributed to improving awareness about inclusive social services. Educational materials, including a video showcasing Icelandic practices, raised awareness about the importance of accessible, high-quality services for disadvantaged groups. This enhanced understanding laid the foundation for long-term changes in service delivery. The collaboration also fostered enhanced cooperation between local governments, service providers, and civil society organizations, especially in less-developed regions of Croatia. Einrud’s experience in Icelandic social service integration proved invaluable in encouraging this collaboration. Finally, the bilateral partnership played a key role in policy development. The advocacy strategies and examples from Iceland contributed to the creation of new policies aimed at improving local social services, guiding the planning and delivery of more inclusive and sustainable services across Croatia.
Project partners
- Einrud ltd. Reykjavik Donor project partner· Iceland
- Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb Project partner· Croatia