REALISING POTENTIAL Social services and active inclusion John Halloran Director

1. European Social NetworkSocial Services In Europe REALISING POTENTIAL Social services and active inclusion John Halloran Director www.esn-eu.org

2. European Social NetworkWho We Are ESN is the independent network for directors of social services, health, education and employment in Europe. 10,000 regional and local authorities in 25 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic,Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK. Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

3. European Social NetworkWhat We Do • Promote social justice and inclusion, quality social care and partnership with service users • Facilitate the exchange of best practice between social care managers, professionals and other stakeholders • Support the role of public services in the field of social care and health Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

4. ESN seminar: Social and Employment Activation, Metz (FR) Oct. 2006 Policy paper: Social and Employment Activation 2006 EC Consultation on AI: comments 2007 ESN policy & practice group on Active Inclusion 2008 Policy & Practice Report: Realising Potential 2008 Case Studies Report: Pathways to Activity 2009 New film with employment training interviews 2009 European Social NetworkActive Inclusion Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

5. European Social NetworkWhat is Active Inclusion? an opportunity to make an active contribution to society and participate in civic, social and cultural life in alternative ways ACTIVE INCLUSION a chance to find and retain a job and (re-)integrate socially Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

6. Seeing people’s abilities and not disabilities Helping people to (re-)become independent Empowering individuals, families and communities Involving all relevant stakeholders (other services third sector, business etc.) Providing opportunities for those who realistically cannot work ACTIVE INCLUSIONA new responsibility for social services Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

7. ESN Members Policy & Practice Group on AI Active Inclusion Working Group “A number of people on activation schemes will never realistically get and retain a job. It is our duty to support their social inclusion outside the labour market.” Niels van Tent, ESN member, Netherlands

8. Local public social services should encourage people to talk about their dreams, their lives and how they can realise their potential. ESN MEMBERS (1) Listening to People Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

9. Addressing health & social problems first Creating flexible system of care and support Designing personalised action plans Offering multiple pathways to overcome social exclusion Working with users, their families and communities ESN MEMBERS (2) Making a Fresh Start “We give people confidence that they are not alone”, ESN member in UK Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

10. ensure the best possible access to services pay attention to different communication needs offer one-stop-shop service make the user a ‘partner’ and not the ‘subject’ of any activation measure ESN MEMBERS (3) A welcoming environment “For many people it is a big step to ask for help in the first place”, ESN member in FIN Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

11. appropriate childcare (together with education services) adequate housing (with social housing) sufficient income (with income departments) care for older people (with health services) ESN MEMBERS (4) Supporting families Local social services can play a key role in coordinating these actions when users require: “Some barriers to the labour market can only be removed by a coordinated action of all involved services”, ESN member in HU Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

12. health services (e.g. Sweden) employment (e.g. Germany) income services (e.g. the Netherlands) third sector organisations (e.g. UK) local businesses (e.g. Norway) ESN MEMBERS (5) Building local partnerships Local social services should form local partnerships with: “Building local partnerships is a step towards more caring and inclusive communities” ESN member in UK Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

13. Assist users in finding their strengths and understanding weaknesses Support and motivate those who can work Offer viable and creative solutions for those who cannot work Empower users to make the most of their potential through work or civic, cultural and social activities ESN MEMBERS (6) Realising potential Local social services: “We have a duty to be ambitious for people”, ESN member in NO Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

14. Active inclusion in practice Case study 1 • Situation: • Young pregnant woman • Early school leaver • No vocation qualification • Heavily indebted Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

15. LFS data demonstrating levels of employment (in England) 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Whole population Physical health problems Mental health problems Active inclusion in practice Case study 2 • Situation: • Middle aged man • History of mental health problems and substance abuse • Completed education • Job experience interrupted by the illness remission Social Services Conference Czech Republic, April 2009

16. ESN WebsiteActive Inclusion Online • ESN Publications • Share good practice examples • Reach European audience

17. European Social NetworkSocial Services In Europe www.esn-eu.org/active-inclusion Thank You ! www.esn-eu.org