In communities grappling with delinquency, social exclusion, and limited access to social services, the Social Neighbourhood Worker programme is set to revitalise the fabric of society.

Launched in March 2024 after a successful pilot in 2023, the programme deploys teams of social workers who can leverage their understanding of the local community to detect and address issues early on. 

The teams then provide counselling and targeted psychosocial support, also helping people to access Social Welfare Services and other state agencies.

This proactive, decentralised approach greatly improves the accessibility and speed of services. In the words of a social neighbourhood worker: “Citizens now have a go-to person in the community for their concerns.”

At its heart, the programme is built on collaboration between the state and local authorities, merging local insights with the technical expertise and financial support of state social welfare services. 

It also champions active community involvement by engaging local groups and associations, thereby nurturing unity, mutual support, and preserving cultural identity amidst evolving traditional bonds.

This initiative is a key component of the "Restructuring of the Social Welfare Services" operation, which is of strategic significance to the THALIA 2021-2027 programme and co-funded by the ESF+. 

Andreas V. Papacharalambous, Mayor of Strovolos, explains why: “The government and the Social Welfare Services have launched a vital initiative for our society, particularly benefiting those in vulnerable groups. It reflects our growth as a society that understands the importance of individual well-being for the overall prosperity of the state.”