People with disabilities have become more independent and a greater part of their communities in the districts of Polkowice and Legnica, Lower Silesia, Poland. With the help of this EU-funded project, personal assistance services have become more widely available to those who depend on them. At the same time, the situation of caretakers has been improved.
- 10 April 2021
‘Thanks to the project, we successfully implemented the idea of social inclusion, gradually developing the values of dignity, equality, and respect for the rights to independent life of people with disabilities.’
By supporting people with disabilities and their carers, the project responded to a growing demand for personal assistance services in the region and raised the living standards of both groups.
The project actively involved both groups in its activities, which brought the issue of disability to the fore, along with the importance of support and social inclusion.
Helping the disabled and their caretakers
In total, 112 people with disabilities benefitted from the project’s efforts. Almost half of them took part in a three-week stay at the Short Stay House in Przemków, a dedicated regional assistance centre adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. This gave them a pleasant break from their everyday environment.
Twenty-five caretakers – often partners, close friends or family members – benefitted from the project. Other than receiving a break from their daily challenges, they received psychological support, guidance, and advice on better managing their living situation.
One of main risks carers face is social exclusion. For that reason, 10 of them were recruited and trained to become personal assistants in the project. They became actively involved in the project’s activities, gaining useful experience and new skills. After the project was concluded, eight of them found jobs in the personal assistance sector.
Involving the community
The project’s activities attracted much interest and help from local communities.
One of the more popular activities was a disability simulation, which required the participation of able-bodied volunteers. With the help of professional equipment, they were able to experience the difficulties the disabled face in everyday situations and tasks.
This, in turn, made it easier for them to empathise and understand the importance of inclusive activities. The simulation was organised seven times during the project and attracted over 200 participants.
Many people volunteered to support participants who live in their neighbourhood. The same active communities helped the project reach people with disabilities who needed support, but who lacked the means to reach out themselves.
While the project’s ambition was to increase awareness of the importance of support for people in need, the involvement of both communities proved their willingness to offer help.
Beneficiaries
‘Thanks to the psychologist, I rose from a huge emotional crisis and started to believe in myself again. The activity coach made me realize that you must fight for yourself, and you cannot give up. Their work supported me so much that I now work as an assistant for people with disabilities and am independent.’
Katarzyna Arabska
‘Thanks to one of the project’s personal assistants, I managed to get out of the house: I went to the gym and the shooting range in Polkowice. With the support of a psychologist and an activity trainer, I learned how to deal with stress and emotions, which helped me pass my driving licence. I became more open to people and experience and, as a result, I was offered a job as a website auditor in the Scorpion Polkowice Association.’
Marek Kulig
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Subregional Assistant Centre” is EUR 403 794, with the EU’s European Social Fund contributing EUR 343 225 through the “Lower Silesian Voivodeship” Regional Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.