Události

2010 is the European Year for combating Social Exclusion and Poverty, a time of challenge and change for social services and for Europe. The challenges include those of demographic change and increased service costs on longterm care; rising unemployment, especially amongst the young; and a desire for greater independence and choice for all in need of social care. At the same time, Europe is in the middle of one of the most profound financial crises in recent history with implications for the financing of public services. These are also times of change at a European level with a new Parliament and Commission and a new agenda for economic, social and environmental policy. Such challenges and changes present a unique opportunity to review the way we develop and provide services. This conference, held in partnership with the Spanish Presidency of the European Union opens a crucial and timely debate about the future of social services in Europe.

The conference will look at current trends, challenges and opportunities for local public managers in public finances, the environmental agenda, opportunities provided by ICT, new forms of service partnership, skills development, user and carer participation and selfmanagement of care.

Organised by: European Social Network

Contact: maria.capozzi@esn-eu.org