Some categories of individuals living in rural areas, such as older people with no pensions, people experiencing homelessness, refugees, ex-prisoners and addicts are particularly at risk of social exclusion. Crucial services, such as psychiatric care and help to address addictions, are often limited or unavailable in rural areas, with waiting times of three to four months to secure an appointment in the city.

This EU-funded project addresses the risk of social exclusion in rural regions among vulnerable groups, such as older people, homeless people, refugees, etc.  

‘Bring villages closer to people’ (Obce blíže lidem) works closely with key stakeholders in rural communities, such as mayors, schools, food banks, and other leaders and service providers, to reach vulnerable people and provide both short-term and long-term assistance. It seeks to eliminate access barriers through the assistance of social workers. These workers liaise closely with stakeholders in rural areas to unify people within communities, destigmatise vulnerable groups, and raise awareness of both local needs and support available. Activating communities thus leads to a sustainable source of assistance.

Due to the long waiting times for specialist support, the social workers involved in the project provide short-term, immediate support. This can include emotional and psychological support, as well as information on securing health insurance, unemployment benefits, accessing retirement plans, and other benefits.

Social workers accompany the individuals throughout their journey to recovery, from understanding their case, educating them on processes (e.g. applying for unemployment benefits, accessing pensions), liaising with different members of the community for support (e.g. food banks, government workers), accompanying them to meetings if necessary, and supporting them on their journey to independence.

Social workers do not operate in the region in which they themselves live, enabling objectivity and reducing the risk of personal prejudice. They are on call at any time of the day to provide support and drive clients to access supports.

The project aims to help individuals to achieve independence, whether financial independence from loan sharks, gaining a place to live, securing a job, or finding longer-term solutions to mental health issues.

As yet, there is no specific report or evaluation of the project. However, every case is documented and the individual’s progress in integrating into their local community is assessed by the coordinators of the project.

Gradually, local mindsets have begun to change, with more people realising the risk of vulnerability and coming forward to offer their support.

RUAH has prepared a methodology of work outlining tools for all field workers in rural areas. This methodology is currently being reviewed by the Czech Social Security Administration (which is part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs)  for feedback. As RUAH is not connected to the State’s social security systems, this collaboration is a significant step towards continuation of the project. It will also open up opportunities to mainstream the project outside of Czechia, provided project methods are adapted to other national contexts.

RUAH will outline the lessons learned for case management, as well as how the most significant challenges were overcome. This was published on www.obceblizelidem.cz.