Strengthening Communities and Social Inclusion Award

This award recognises a public authority or social services provider that has made a significant and lasting impact in strengthening communities and promoting social inclusion, particularly for the most vulnerable groups such as homeless people, refugees, migrants, and those experiencing extreme poverty or social exclusion.

Examples of key areas of strengthening communities and social inclusion:

• Empowering Vulnerable Groups – Supporting homeless people, migrants and refugees through integrated services that improve access to housing, employment, healthcare, and education.
• Housing, Employment, and Skills Development – Providing training, job placement, and stable housing to enhance economic and social participation.
• Cross-Cultural Initiatives – Promoting programmes that bring together different ethnic groups and social backgrounds to foster mutual understanding and social cohesion.
• Improving Community Cohesion – Implementing community hubs and volunteer-driven initiatives.
• Strengthening Community Approaches – Supporting sustainable community development projects that empower local organisations, people using services, individuals and neighbourhoods to strengthen their communities and social networks.
• Aiding Informal Care Givers – Supporting family and voluntary community carers through trainings, resources and online or offline support groups.

Special consideration is given to initiatives that:

• Provide sustainable solutions for social inclusion, such as housing-first and housing-led models, trauma-informed support, and integrated support services for vulnerable populations.
• Address systemic barriers that prevent access to essential services, ensuring that no one is left behind.
• Engage local communities, fostering solidarity, participation, and peer support networks to strengthen social cohesion.
• Promote dignity and self-reliance, helping individuals regain stability, independence, and a sense of belonging.
• Are scalable and transferable, offering a model that can inspire other European regions to adopt inclusive practices.