Innovative Strategies Unveiled at La Laguna’s National Congress on Social Services

On November 20, the picturesque city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna officially launched its inaugural National Congress on Social Services, a pivotal event dedicated to enhancing support systems for vulnerable populations across Spain. This congress aims to address pressing issues within the social services sector and to foster innovative solutions that can be implemented at various levels of government and community.

Engaging Dialogues on the Future of Social Services

The event, meticulously organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Quality of Life, attracted a diverse group of leading experts, practitioners, and policymakers. Over the span of two days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions that examined the current landscape of social services in Spain. The congress provided a platform for attendees to delve into the myriad challenges faced by public entities and to brainstorm potential solutions aimed at improving service delivery.

Deputy Mayor Badel Albelo inaugurated the congress, emphasizing its significance as a benchmark for social sector professionals. He articulated the necessity for developing new methodologies that could enhance existing services, ultimately striving to uplift the quality of life for the most vulnerable groups in society. His remarks set a tone of urgency and commitment to social improvement that resonated throughout the event.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna: A Beacon of Social Inclusion

Albelo further highlighted that San Cristóbal de La Laguna holds the unique distinction of being the only municipality in the Canary Islands recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition has positioned the city as a model for social inclusion, garnering numerous national and international accolades for its progressive initiatives in this area. The congress serves as a testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering social equity and support.

María Cruz, the city councillor for Social Welfare and Quality of Life, reiterated the congress’s objectives, which include promoting research and innovation in social inclusion. She stressed the importance of sharing best practices from various regions in Spain and Europe, advocating for collaboration among public administrations, academia, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. This collaborative spirit is essential for developing comprehensive strategies that address the complexities of social welfare.

Showcasing Innovative Solutions and Key Insights

The congress featured a series of notable presentations, including a keynote address by José Manuel Ramírez, President of the Association of Directors and Managers of Social Services in Spain. He tackled the critical issue of dependency care within the current system, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Among the innovative initiatives introduced at the congress was a groundbreaking robot designed to assist in rehabilitation and support for active aging. This initiative, which leverages advanced social robotics and artificial intelligence, reflects La Laguna’s commitment to integrating technology into social services, showcasing how innovation can enhance the quality of care provided to the elderly and disabled.

Following Ramírez’s address, Carlos Susías, President of the European Anti-Poverty Network, provided an insightful overview of social exclusion in Europe and Spain. His presentation highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat poverty and social isolation. Additionally, Celsa Cáceres, a professor at the University of La Laguna, offered valuable insights into the specific context of social services within the Canary Islands, enriching the dialogue with local perspectives.

The afternoon session was dedicated to sharing best practices in social services and social innovation, featuring contributions from the City Council’s Social Services technical staff. This session culminated in the prestigious presentation of the ‘La Laguna Social’ awards, which recognized outstanding projects and communications from various entities, celebrating the achievements of those dedicated to improving social welfare.

The second day of the congress commenced with a thought-provoking lecture on income policies in Spain, led by Graciela Malgesini, a Doctor in Economics. This was followed by a discussion on social inclusion within the public social services system, presented by psychologist Ángel Parreño from the CERES Foundation. The congress concluded with a comprehensive presentation by Rosana García, Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Quality of Life, who detailed the evolving landscape of social services in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, emphasizing the city’s ongoing efforts to adapt and respond to the needs of its citizens.

Key points

• The National Congress on Social Services was launched on November 20 in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
• Deputy Mayor Badel Albelo emphasized the need for new methodologies to improve social services.
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a model for social inclusion.
• Innovative solutions, including a robot for rehabilitation, were introduced at the congress.
• Keynote speakers included José Manuel Ramírez and Carlos Susías, discussing dependency care and social exclusion.
• The event aims to foster collaboration among various sectors to enhance social support.