Radmila, a 78 year-old woman whose husband is sick and has dementia, felt isolated and helpless. She had no one to support her with her day-to-day activities or to help look after her sick husband. Meanwhile, Lidija was experiencing difficulties finding employment that was suitable for her. The ‘Make a Wish for Vukovar’ project in Croatia connected women like Radmila and Lidija to meet their needs.

With support from the European Social Fund, the project brought disadvantaged and older people together to create a mutually caring environment. In doing so, it created jobs and helped protect people at risk of social exclusion, isolation and unemployment.

The method was simple. The project empowered women in a disadvantaged social position or who have experienced long term unemployment, such as Lidija, by hiring them as assistants to older women. Lidija was assigned to help Radmila with her daily activities through the project’s home help service.

The two women enjoyed each other’s company, and both benefitted from being brought together by the project.

‘Lidija is a good and hardworking woman,’ says Radmila, ‘I am very satisfied with the support and help she provides to me.'

By creating jobs and facilitating assistance for older people who are not eligible for to receive support through social services, the ESF-funded project has made a real difference by connecting Croatian women in need. 10 vulnerable women found employment by providing essential, at-home assistance to 50 older people.

Radmila, like the other people who now have dedicated assistants, is grateful: ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the help that Mrs. Lidija provides to me because it means a lot to me.’