Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, visited entrepreneurship hubs in the city of Silleda in Galicia, Spain, where he met representatives of newly launched projects from the region co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). These projects help people manage critical societal challenges by providing support with housing, employment, social inclusion and mental health.
Entrepreneurship hubs
‘Polos de emprendimiento’ work as a group of networked centres that promote entrepreneurship through continuous advice and tailored mentoring. They help new entrepreneurs to either start up or improve their business ventures. Currently, eight centres are in operation – with more planned – playing a key role in developing the rural business sector. The network of entrepreneurship hubs also receives support under the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Spain, financed by NextGenerationEU.
Galician skills agenda for employment
The ‘Agenda Gallega de Capacidades para el Empleo’ provides unemployed people with allowances to follow training and supports companies to train their workers in sectors that are in high demand on the labour market. Courses help both employed and unemployed people to build their capacity in digital, communication and managerial skills, focusing on Galicia’s plan to build a workforce ready for the green and digital transition. Training focuses on micro-credentials, which enable people to gain skills and competences flexibly. The Galician skills agenda for employment also receives support under the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Spain, financed by NextGenerationEU.
New model of community health care
Helping some of Galicia’s most vulnerable, ‘Nuevo modelo de atención sociosanitaria’ has developed a psychosocial programme for people with severe mental disorders. The project focuses on employment as a tool for improving the wellbeing of people suffering from a range of psychosocial issues. It applies a holistic approach that includes community care for people and their families. Its services support social and labour market inclusion by providing training and promoting the role of nature and socio-community networks in the participants’ free time.
Emotional development and suicide prevention
‘Estrategia de desarrollo emocional y prevención del suicidio’ provides critical aid and interventions for young adults who are at risk of suicide. Focusing on discussion and group work for conflict-resolution with the support of peers, the programme consists of five sessions of 1 hour which take place at the participant’s school. ESF+ funds are also used to finance training for therapists and care professionals who engage with young people through the programme.
Housing-led approach to social inclusion
The ‘Proyecto de promoción de recursos estables’ (Promotion of stable care resources) works together with Galician town councils to identify regional housing needs. The project focuses on housing as a cornerstone of social inclusion by implementing a 'housing-first' and 'housing-led' approach. The project is aligned with the 2019-2023 strategic plan for homeless people of Galicia. To date, over 100 participants have found stable housing through the project.
These newly launched local initiatives already show that ESF+ funding plays an integral role in implementing strategic initiatives in Galicia that help those most at risk and build stronger communities in the region.
