January 3, 2024
News
In 2023, we have focused on strengthening and improving social services in Moldova by continuing to bring sustainable changes to the system. We introduced two new services for medico-social care centres: occupational therapy and intergenerational clubs. We organised activities to integrate Ukrainian refugees into local communities and promoted civic activism by building bridges between generations.
1. We continued to improve the quality and sustainability of social services in Moldova
Qualitative social services need well-trained professionals. That is why in 2023, we focused on training employees from 10 medical-social care centres.
Through an extensive training programme, the employees of the centres learned how to provide qualitative care, what skills need to be developed in this field, or what are the ethical principles guiding the work in home care. At the same time, the teams of the social care centres learned how to identify symptoms and factors that contribute to burnout, what stress management techniques can be applied and why it is important to set boundaries in relationships with clients and co-workers.
2. We have developed two new social services: intergenerational groups and occupational therapy
Last year we also introduced two new social services for the medico-social care centres in Moldova: Intergenerational groups and Occupational therapy.
Together with the Homecare Association, we established 8 intergenerational clubs that will operate on a voluntary basis in social-medical care centres. These clubs provide a platform for young people to explore the workings, roles, and the interconnection of generations in club meetings and events.
In 2023, we hosted 22 gatherings that brought together 80 young and 80 elderly individuals engaging in a diverse range of activities such as storytelling, playing board games, sharing crafts, embroidery, knitting, sculpting, and digital literacy sessions.
These meetings have improved the quality of life of young and old generations and produced a strong sense of belonging and involvement in the community, regardless of age.
3. We promoted civic activism to create united and active communities across Moldova
We have selected 80 young people and brought them together in youth clubs to strengthen collaboration and dialogue between young people, elderly people, community and local government.
Young people took part in training sessions, learning what civic activism means, how they can bring about positive change in the community, and how they can work with local public authorities to solve common problems. Following that, the youth groups conducted an awareness-raising campaign titled "Unite through Action" in 8 localities across Moldova.
They engaged in discussions with residents of all ages, explained the concept of social activism, emphasised the benefits of active community involvement, and suggested concrete steps to bring about positive change in their localities.
4. We continued to provide telemedicine consultations for vulnerable people living in remote locations
Telemedicine plays important role in increasing access to healthcare, especially for people living in remote regions. Last year, we continued to enhance the accessibility of remote medical consultations for Moldovan citizens by utilising telemedicine. We managed to conduct 22 training sessions for social care and primary health care specialists informing them about the opportunities of the telemedicine platform. In the last 12 months, the 8 social-medical care centres have provided about 1200 remote consultations.
5. We supported the integration and social cohesion of Ukrainian refugees in local communities
To facilitate the integration and social cohesion of Ukrainian refugees accommodated in Moldova, we organised a national theatre tour in 8 cities across the country.
In partnership with the M.A.D.E. Theater, we organised 9 free performances attended by around 3,500 people, of which 850 were Ukrainian refugees. The performances not only facilitated social cohesion between Ukrainians and Moldovans, but also provided a recreational and psychological well-being environment for locals and refugees. At the same time, in the run-up to winter, we developed support activities to ensure refugees a decent living during the cold season.
6. We supported 6 recovered people to become living examples of healing and support
We set out to strengthen the capacity of local actors to ensure sustainable change in the social and mental health services system in Moldova. We trained 6 recovered people with their own experience of mental health issues to become peer supporters, and supported them to be employed in community mental health services.
Simultaneously, we are nearing completion of the establishment of the two "Protected Housing" units in Glodeni and Soroca. The new places will enable people with mental health problems in the region to lead an independent life and give them the chance to be reintegrated into the community.
In 2024 we will continue with the same perseverance to bring change in the areas where we work and will remain committed to our efforts to support communities in Moldova to live a decent life.
