The first two FEAD Network meetings have been held in Brussels on 26 September and 18 October. The events allowed delegates to hear from projects and managing authorities in different countries, and to discuss innovative ways of delivering accompanying and social inclusion measures.

© Ecorys

Accompanying measures

The meeting held on 26 September focused on the topic of accompanying measures. More than 90 delegates from all around Europe came together to discuss ways of delivering accompanying measures to the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived.

Participants at the meeting heard from managing authorities and NGOs delivering activities under FEAD, including the Red Cross, Caritas and OCMW Antwerp, and were able to ask questions of the presenters about their approaches. Delegates also took part in an interactive ‘world-café’ session to discuss integrated approaches for addressing poverty.

Social inclusion

The second FEAD Network launch meeting was held in Brussels on 18 October, with delegates discussing the delivery of social inclusion measures. Delegates joined mainly from the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the countries which opted for an Operational Programme focus on social inclusion rather than food or material aid, as well as delegates from five other countries.

Homelessness featured prominently in many of the case study presentations, and in a session dedicated to the topic. Other sessions included ‘Ensuring non-discrimination’ and ‘Identification of beneficiaries and outreach’.

Chosen topics

The topics of the meetings were based on feedback from the FEAD Network Launch Conference held in Brussels in June. Conference participants were able to indicate the topics they felt should feature most prominently in the meetings between Network members.

Through the Network, those working to reduce the worst forms of poverty in European countries are able to share good practice and work together to develop new ideas. In addition to regular network meetings, the Network members stay in touch through an animated online community.

FEAD Network online

In addition to the in-person events, members of the Network are also able to interact via the online group hosted on Yammer. Sign up to access or to receive alerts from the FEAD Network.