By Elena Curtopassi
The objectives of the SACRED project will take center stage at the upcoming European Network of Social Authorities (ENSA) events, set to take place from March 3rd to 5th, 2025. Hosted by the Veneto Region’s Brussels Office and the House of Dutch Provinces in Brussels, these events will bring together a diverse array of experts, policymakers, community leaders, university representatives, and civil society actors to tackle urgent issues impacting vulnerable populations across Europe.
March 3, 2025 – HOPE Conference
House of Dutch Provinces
This conference will focus on strategies to mitigate the impact of heat waves, with a particular emphasis on protecting older and vulnerable populations.
March 4, 2025 – ENSA General Assembly Veneto Region Office in Brussels
An opportunity to engage with European social authorities, contribute to policy discussions, and shape future strategies for social inclusion.
March 4, 2025 – ENSA/ENSEL Youth, Child, Family, and Well-being Working Group Veneto Region Office in Brussels
This collaborative session will be dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children, youth, and families through inclusive practices and social innovation.
March 5, 2025 – ENSA Older Adults & Disability Working Groups Workshop Veneto Region Office in Brussels
A special focus will be placed on the SACRED project during the workshop titled “Addressing Demographic Change and Building Age and Disability-Friendly Communities,” coordinated by the City of Rotterdam and IVASS Valencia.
Key sessions will explore:
- The impact of demographic changes on future policy development
- Creating age- and disability-friendly cities and communities
- Strategies for the social and health integration of older adults
In addition, a SACRED partner meeting will be held to analyse the specific needs of the six pilot sites, select relevant focus groups, and discuss the context and format of good practices.
This session will be led by partners from Odisee University (Belgium) and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
A key feature of the SACRED project is its thorough analysis of evidence-based interventions in dementia and disability care. This will involve collecting twenty exemplary practices from the six pilot sites and compiling them into a comprehensive database.
These practices will then be studied and shared during transnational meetings to improve care strategies for individuals living with dementia and disabilities.
The project will also conduct a needs analysis to identify the most pressing concerns of older adults with dementia or disabilities, as well as the students and professionals involved in their care. This will be achieved through qualitative co-creation sessions, where frail elderly individuals, professionals, and students will be interviewed.
To ensure the project’s success and guide it toward its goals, an Advisory Board is now established and will convene during this event in Brussels. Chaired by Karel Haga, Board Member of OSO (Forum for Senior Citizens’ Organisations in the Netherlands), the Board is consisting of external experts who will provide invaluable, unbiased feedback throughout the project’s lifecycle—from analysis to implementation.
