Philosophy and objectives of the network
General philosophy of the network
In Europe, the current tendency tends to extend the rules of competition and decrease public authorities’ investments in some sectors, including the sector of services for people, with a clear tendency to delegate competences to non-public organisations to fulfil missions of general interest. Moreover, most of these services are provided by organisations from the sector of social economy, which are highly focused on the social aspect of the service provided. Initiated a few years ago, the current changes that are taking place at the European level represent both an opportunity and a risk for these stakeholders, as the sector is strongly growing and tends to become more and more competitive, which can be an inconvenient for organisations that value social approach rather than economic approach.
That is the reason why several stakeholders from the social economy rally. Through the creation of a network, they want to be stronger, to exchange experiences and gain more influence at the European level, in order to guarantee the quality and maintain the social aspect of the services delivered.
Moreover, the members of the European network of social services for people share common values that should be recognised and heard at the European scale. They are, for example, in favour of the European social model of social protection.
Objectives of the network
> Provide information regarding social services for people at the European scale and regarding European legislation;
> Link the social economy stakeholders together;
> Create a resource centre in order to gather the knowledge on topics related to social services for people;
> Create European projects emphasizing the experiences and achievements of all;
> Exchange knowledge and practices with other national models;
> Favour exchanges and trainees for young professionals;
> Be a representation and lobbying tool;
> Promote and broaden the recognition of the links between social services of general interest and services for people.
Scope
The members of the network confirm their intention to work in the following fields of activity:
– Home services for households (comfort services, for those in good health receiving a service at home). These services promote cohesion, equal opportunities for men and women and balance between professional and personal life.
– Home services for dependant persons who do not depend on health institutions, mainly dependant persons (the elderly, persons with disabilities, the sick staying at home, children…) staying at home who need services.
