Current program is a project funded by Erasmus+ that aims to connect social prescribing with volunteering, creating an environment and an approach that supports the health and well-being of individuals with health and rehabilitation needs.

The project will address the training and education needs of professionals in the fields of healthcare, social care, and rehabilitation, as well as leaders of NGOs/civil society and policymakers, having an immediate impact on the EU Mission for cancer and contributing in the National Cancer Misson Plans.

Main target

This project aims in transnational collaboration and interdisciplinary approach for the promotion of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and shared understanding of κοινωνικής συνταγογράφησης,as well as addressing common training and education needs. In this way, the quality of the work, activities, and practices of organizations and institutions involved in social prescribing will be improved.

At the same time, SPACE will pave the way for new stakeholders who are not usually involved in such initiatives, enabling transformation and change. This will lead to improvements and innovative approaches at various levels of practice and policy, especially in the context of the EU Mission on Cancer.

Targets

The main targets program are:

Collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop an appropriate approach for integrating volunteering into social prescribing, which can be adapted and implemented across Europe, with a focus on individuals recovering from cancer.

Strengthening of skills and self-confidence of professionals in the fields of healthcare, social care, and rehabilitation, as well as staff and volunteers from NGOs/Civil Society, so they can actively participate in the social prescribing program.

Increase awareness and interest for the value of volunteering in urban/community gardensvalue of volunteering as part of social prescribing programs, particularly for individuals who have suffered from cancer or are in the process of recovery, ensuring the integration of community-based support systems in the rehabilitation process sustainability of the outcomes of the project, both for professionals and policymakers.

Current program aims to create a positive and innovative environment where social prescribing and volunteering will work together complementarily to improve the quality of life for patients, as well as to empower the professionals and communities involved in this important effort.

Partners

Project leaders are Centre European Volunteering (CEV) (Belgium), and is being implemented in collaboration with seven other organizations:

• European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR) (Belgium)
• Volunteer Ireland (VI) (Ireland)
• World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) (Belgium)
• Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group (HMVCG) (United Kindom)
• Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK) (Greece)
• Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (Malta)
• Fundacio Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a L’atencio Primaria de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAP Jordi Gol) (Spain)