La Laguna Gears Up for Landmark National Congress on Social Services and Inclusion

On November 20th and 21st, the picturesque city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna will serve as the host for the inaugural National Congress of Social Services. This pivotal gathering will bring together a diverse array of professionals and experts dedicated to the advancement of social services and inclusion across Spain.

The congress is designed to create a dynamic platform for in-depth analysis, innovative thinking, and the development of actionable proposals aimed at improving the quality of life for users of public services. Set to unfold at the renowned Espacio Mutua Tinerfeña, the event has already reached full capacity, reflecting the high level of interest and engagement from the community.

The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, expressed pride in the municipality’s recent accolades, both nationally and internationally. He attributed this recognition to the significant strides made in addressing social issues, which have been prioritized in various action programs and budget allocations. “This Congress will bring professionals and experts from across Spain to our historic centre, fostering a necessary dialogue to effectively address the various challenges that all administrations will face in the short to medium term, thereby ensuring support and assistance to the most vulnerable groups in our community,” stated Mayor Gutiérrez.

In a similar vein, María Cruz, the Councillor for Social Welfare and Quality of Life, underscored the congress’s commitment to promoting research and innovation in social inclusion. She noted that the event will showcase exemplary practices from both public and private entities, aiming to forge new collaborative relationships among the City Council, academic institutions, the private sector, and the third sector.

According to Councillor Cruz, the enthusiastic response to the registration process has been remarkable, with participants hailing from all corners of the Canary Islands and various regions across Spain. This overwhelming interest has resulted in a waiting list of over a hundred individuals eager to engage in this vital forum for discussion and experience sharing.

Key Sessions and Presentations

The National Congress is set to officially commence on Thursday, November 20th, at 9:30 AM, featuring an inaugural lecture by José Manuel Ramírez, the President of the Association of Directors and Managers of Social Services in Spain and the State Dependency Observatory. His insights are expected to set the tone for the discussions that will follow.

At 11:30 AM, Carlos Susías, the President of the European Network Against Poverty and Social Exclusion (EAPN), will deliver a presentation titled ‘The State of Social Exclusion in Europe and Spain’. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of social exclusion, both in Spain and across Europe, highlighting the challenges that persist.

Following this, at 12:30 PM, Celsa Cáceres, a distinguished professor from the Department of Social Work and Social Services at the University of La Laguna, will take the stage to share her expertise on relevant topics in social work.

After a brief intermission, activities will resume at 4:30 PM with a presentation focused on Best Practices in Social Services and Social Innovation, led by technical staff from the La Laguna City Council. This session will also feature the presentation of the ‘La Laguna Social’ awards, which will recognize outstanding communications and projects submitted by various entities and groups, celebrating innovation and excellence in the field.

The following day, Friday, will kick off at 9:30 AM with a lecture titled ‘Successes and Failures of Income Policies in Spain’, presented by economist Graciela Malgesini, who coordinates CEPAIM Gran Canaria. Her analysis will delve into the effectiveness of current income policies and their implications for social welfare.

Following this insightful session, a discussion on ‘Social Inclusion within the Framework of the Public Social Services System’ will be led by psychologist Ángel Parreño, representing the CERES Foundation. This discussion aims to explore the intricacies of social inclusion and the role of public services in fostering an inclusive society.

The congress will reach its conclusion with a presentation on ‘Social Services in San Cristóbal de La Laguna’, delivered by Rosana García, the director of the Welfare and Quality of Life department of the City Council. Her insights will provide a localized perspective on the challenges and successes of social services within the municipality.

Significance of the Congress

This congress is not merely an event; it represents a crucial opportunity for stakeholders in social services to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions to pressing social issues. The emphasis on research, best practices, and collaborative relationships underscores the commitment of La Laguna to lead the way in social welfare and inclusion.

As the congress approaches, the anticipation continues to build among participants and organizers alike. The event promises to be a landmark occasion that will not only address current challenges but also pave the way for future advancements in social services across Spain.

Key points

• Inaugural National Congress of Social Services to be held on November 20th and 21st in La Laguna.
• Full capacity reached, with a waiting list of over a hundred eager participants.
• Keynote speakers include prominent figures in social services and inclusion.
• Focus on best practices, research, and collaboration among various sectors.
• Recognition of outstanding contributions through the ‘La Laguna Social’ awards.