Disadvantaged people including cancer patients often suffer from more than just the symptoms of the disease. Patients can also be faced with social isolation, lack of activity or creative outlet and psychological issues that require prolonged treatment. A Bulgarian project aimed to help social enterprises employing disadvantaged people to face these challenges.

People employed in these social enterprises used their creativity to make souvenirs in weekly art workshops, which were sold on the innovative web platform ‘TheSocialMarket.eu’. Funded through the European Social Fund (ESF), the platform was launched in 2020 and is one of the initiatives of the Co-network of Social Enterprises. The profit raised by selling the souvenirs was used to help finance the psychosocial rehabilitation of cancer patients and other disadvantaged people. 

‘We hope that our beauties will delight you and put a smile on your face, not regret and fear which are feelings the cancer theme evokes,’ says Ivanka Andonova, one of the artists. 

The patients hope their artwork will make people smile. Purchasing their work helps to support those going through the difficult process of treatment and gives them strength to carry on and be happy despite the illness. ‘I found my place here. I feel very good. It gives me peace of mind,’ says artist Mira Motovilkova. Fellow creator Elena Danailova notes ‘I am rewarded and my hard work feels appreciated.’ 

Created by Viva Pautalia, www.TheSocialMarket.eu promotes a range of social enterprises in Bulgaria, contributing to their sustainable development. It provides information on different parts of the social economy in Bulgaria, including disadvantaged people in the labour market, employees in social enterprises and organisations promoting social entrepreneurship. 

Thanks to the European project, Viva Pautalia has built a strong network of institutions, training organisations and businesses, which stimulates social innovation among social organisations and enterprises. The participants are able to sell their products, as well as share their experiences, challenges and possible solutions.