NIDUS Mental Health

Lab Innovation projects

NIDUS Mental Health

Adaptation of the NIDUS app as a digital support tool in mental health for the needs of people with severe mental disorders who are transitioning from long-term hospitalization to community life and/or strengthening their ties with the community.

(2024-2025)

NIDUS Deinstitutionalization is a pilot project aimed at addressing the lack of tools focused on promoting the autonomy, empowerment, and life project development of people with mental health issues who are in the process of deinstitutionalization or at risk of institutionalization. To this end, the NIDUS app from the iSocial Foundation, which has so far been successfully used in the field of homelessness care, will be adapted, piloted, and evaluated.

The adaptation of this digital solution to the mental health field, with a focus on the needs of the individuals, will enable:

• A connection and easy communication between the individual and their reference professionals

• Support and facilitation of tools for the individual to enhance their personal responsibility and autonomy

• Provision of support and facilities for the individual’s participation and integration into the community

• A standardized system of remote support, through which the individual can report on the evolution of their health and well-being

Leads:

Fundació iSocial. Innovació en l'acció social

Partners:

logo pere claver grup
Logo ParcSanitari Horitzontal esc al
Logo Hospital Sanitari Pere Mata

In collaboration with:

Antares logo esc al
Logo inqbarna

With the support of:

Logo HISS

Projectes d’innovació

NIDUS Social Exclusion

NIDUS Social Exclusion

NIDUS Social Exclusion is a project to develop a digital toolkit for the homeless and for the social workers who support and accompany them.
WELCOME

WELCOME

WELCOME is a project for the development of intelligent tecnologies for supportint the reception and the integration of migrants and refugees.
FLAPP!

FLAPP!

Flapp! is a project aimed to develop a remote support system for adolescents and youngsters with emancipation and inclusion needs.

iSocial meets with the 19 Mayors of Alt Urgell to present the Vincles project

Publications News

iSocial meets with the 19 Mayors of Alt Urgell to present the Vincles project

,
Vincles Alt Urgell

Starting in September, six new municipalities in the territory are expected to be incorporated after the pilot in Monteferrer-Castellbò

Last Wednesday, July 24, we met with nineteen municipal representatives from the Alt Urgell region to explain the Vincles project. This initiative, supported by the Department of Social Rights of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the University of Lleida, and La Caixa Foundation, applies innovation to address the increase in situations of unwanted loneliness among the elderly in the Alt Pirineu and the Aran region, combining, on one hand, data science to geolocate risk areas, and on the other hand, the activation of the local community network.


The meeting, held during the Council of Mayors at Espai La Vansa (Sorribes) and wsa covered by PirineusTV, allowed us to explain the current development stage of Vincles in Alt Urgell. The first phase began with a pilot in Monteferrer-Castellbò and, starting in September, six new municipalities in the territory are expected to be incorporated.


Additionally, thanks to the support of HISS (Catalonia’s Social and Health Innovation Hub), which selected the project in its 1st Call against Unwanted Loneliness, Vincles will be expanded to study how to incorporate various data from the healthcare system and the perspective of healthcare teams in the detection and intervention processes, thus making a common and integrated social and healthcare approach possible.

Watch the news coverage of the meeting in PirineusTV (in Catalan)



Actualitat

Trobada Solidigital Andorra

Solidigital’s Second Project Meeting Takes Place in Andorra

The seven partner organizations of the European project gather in Andorra to coordinate Solidigital’s deployment plan.
Vincles Alt Urgell

iSocial meets with the 19 Mayors of Alt Urgell to present the Vincles project

Last Wednesday, July 24, we met with nineteen municipal representatives from the Alt Urgell region to explain the Vincles project.
REIR, nova entitat membre de iSocial

REIR joins as a new member of the iSocial Foundation

The iSocial board has approved the incorporation of REIR (Resources for Children at Risk), a social intervention organization that operates mainly in the Vallès Oriental region, as a new member of the Foundation.
Grupo Servicio Sociales

The iSocial Foundation welcomes Grupo SSI as a new member organisation

Grupo Servicios Sociales Integrados (SSI) is a Basque cooperative dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations.
Josep Maria Solé pren el relleu de Montse Cervera com a president

Change in Presidency: Josep Maria Solé Takes Over from Montse Cervera

Montse Cervera, President of iSocial since the foundation’s creation, steps down to make way for Josep Maria Solé.
Rehab-Lab meeting in Liège

iSocial and CIM-UPC Participate in the Annual Rehab-Lab Network Meeting in Belgium

A total of 55 entities from the Rehab-Lab network gathered in Liège to share their knowledge and experiences

How can the TEAL model benefit the social sector?

Publications Articles

How can the TEAL model benefit the social sector?

, ,
Model TEAL

The TEAL model represents a break from classical internal organizational models of entities, with a special emphasis on the people who are part of them. What benefits could its implementation have in the social sector?

One area where we can apply innovation in the social sector is in the internal organizational model of entities and organizations. Frédéric Laloux (Belgium, 1973) published the book Reinventing Organizations in 2014, where he presents the TEAL model, a new perspective on business organization that breaks with classical models and aims to put people at the center of organizations. Below, we will explore what the TEAL model is and what benefits it can bring to the social sector.

Organizational Paradigms: Models Prior to TEAL

To explain what the TEAL model entails, we need to understand where we start. Laloux traces the evolution of organizational models and identifies different types according to their characteristics and advancements, each associated with a different color. From oldest to most recent, there are five:

a. Red. This stage is often associated with environments where strong direction and control are necessary to maintain order, and where power dynamics are clear and manifest. It can be observed in authoritarian regimes, religious sects, or highly competitive sports teams.

b. Amber. In this case, roles are well defined and stable, although they allow some movement on the scale. The organization is structured around a hierarchical pyramid, and control is exercised from top to bottom. The perspective is long-term with stable processes that usually repeat past patterns. Examples include the military, the Catholic Church, and governmental organizations.

c. Orange. This approach introduces innovation for the first time, incorporates accountability, and is based on merits. The main objective is to overcome competition and achieve profits and growth. Management is done through objectives that require control and prediction. Banks and many companies follow this organizational model.

d. Green. Culture and empowerment are at the center of this model, with the aim of boosting employee motivation. The organization’s purpose is articulated around interest groups, not just shareholders. A current example is non-profit organizations.

e. Teal. The last type, and the most recent, replaces the hierarchical pyramid with self-management. Organizations function as “living” entities oriented towards fulfilling their purpose. Thus, they are based on three principles that we will examine below: self-management, wholeness, and evolutionary purpose. Some organizations around the world are already beginning to implement this model.

The TEAL Model: Self-Management, Wholeness, and Evolutionary Purpose

As we have mentioned, the TEAL model is based on three key pillars that serve as a guide for organizations wishing to adopt this system:

a. Self-Management. This trait represents a break with the hierarchy that characterizes most organizations. The main objective is to replace traditional methods based on vertical communication and hierarchical structures with autonomous work groups. This does not mean that organigrams with differentiated positions disappear, but when working, decisions are made without hierarchies. In this way, everyone feels more involved in the goals and strategies. Through regular or spontaneous meetings, different decisions made by each work group are shared. These groups are also flexible and adapt to the needs of projects and contexts. Transparency, conflict management, and a sense of belonging are some characteristics of this self-management.

b. Wholeness. According to Laloux, companies require their workers to hide feelings of doubt or vulnerability and instead always show determination and strength through a “professional mask.” This approach questions the classic barrier between personal and professional life with the aim of creating spaces where people can express themselves fully and thus develop their full potential. It is key at this point to ensure that workers feel useful and have opportunities for fulfillment.

c. Evolutionary Purpose. The third pillar of the TEAL model is based on conceiving the organization as an organism that has its own life and sense of direction. Therefore, instead of trying to predict and control the future, the focus is on listening to its purpose within society. The goal is for the organization’s mission, values, and vision not to be based on the leaders’ interests, but to be aspects shared by all members. Additionally, this perspective also seeks to ensure that entities do not focus on rivalry with other organizations but place their purpose at the center.

The TEAL Model and the Social Sector

The TEAL model is particularly interesting and innovative in the social sector, given its community-oriented nature. However, there is not just one way to apply the model, as it will also depend on the uniqueness of each entity. Some of the benefits we can find are:

a. Increased Autonomy. Self-management allows decisions to be made more efficiently and quickly, as the people working on each project have more autonomy in their area of responsibility. This way, the organization is more flexible to changes and situations that require a quick response. This is useful in the field of social services and direct user care.

b. Motivation and Engagement. Sharing a vision and working towards the same purpose fosters commitment from all members of the organization, regardless of their area, and increases motivation and a sense of belonging.

c. Greater Initiative. Fostering a comfortable and participatory space helps reduce the fear of failure and increases self-confidence. Thus, workers show greater initiative in proposing ideas and making decisions.

d. Fostering Creativity. In relation to the previous point, the greater initiative and involvement of professionals encourages a more fluid exchange of ideas. Consequently, it creates an optimal space for the emergence of creativity.

e. Responsibility. Flattening the organizational chart allows everyone to make decisions. Thus, this autonomy increases the sense of responsibility in responding to the agreed-upon agreements.

In conclusion, the application of the TEAL model can generate numerous advantages in the social sector thanks to its emphasis on self-management, wholeness, and evolutionary purpose. On one hand, autonomy and flexibility in decision-making improve efficiency and adaptability in providing social services. On the other hand, creating a comfortable and participatory space fosters motivation, initiative, and creativity among workers, while increasing their sense of responsibility. All these characteristics make the TEAL model particularly interesting for social sector organizations looking to innovate and improve their internal structure to offer better services to the community.

References

Amurrio Gónzalez de Langarica, Í. (2019). Nuevos modelos organizativos de los recursos humanos en la empresa. Addi. https://addi.ehu.es/handle/10810/37110

Clos, I. (2020, 10 desembre). Organizaciones Teal: 50 prácticas revolucionarias que cambiarán tu futuro. Sociedad de la Innovación. https://www.sociedaddelainnovacion.es/50-practicas-organizativas-revolucionarias-cambiaran-futuro-organizacion-basado-modelo-teal/

De Hijas, P. M. (2023, 19 agost). Laloux, las organizaciones TEAL. Emergentes. https://emergentes.org/laloux-las-organizaciones-teal/

Great Place to Work. (2023, 25 abril). Organizaciones TEAL ¿Qué son? ¿Qué ventajas tienen?. Great Place To Work Spain. https://greatplacetowork.es/organizaciones-teal/

Organizaciones TEAL: ¿cómo reinventan la gestión y cuáles son sus ventajas? (s. f.). Iberdrola. https://www.iberdrola.com/talento/organizaciones-teal

Organizaciones Teal: qué son, qué ventajas ofrecen. (s. f.). https://thepower.education/blog/organizaciones-teal

Ortiz de Zárate Hors, María Eugenia (2019). Modelos organizativos evolutivos – Teal para startup social: estudios de caso. Tesis (Master), E.T.S.I. Industriales (UPM). https://oa.upm.es/65570/

Pablo, S. A. J. (2022, 10 març). Implementación del modelo Teal evolutivo para el desarrollo de la felicidad organizacional. https://repository.unimilitar.edu.co/handle/10654/43633

Romero, A. M., López, M. M., & Bravo, A. M. (2018). La transición hacia organizaciones evolutivas Teal. Dialnet. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=6535708

Articles

En aquest article, abordem propostes innovadores per combatre la soledat no desitjada

Innovative proposals to combat unwanted loneliness in the elderly

Unwanted loneliness is a problem that has a particularly relevant impact on the elderly population. How should it be addressed? What innovative tools can be promoted from social services to reverse this feeling?
Desinstitucionalización y vida en comunidad de las personas con discapacidad

Desinstitucionalización y vida en comunidad de las personas con discapacidad

Una nueva guía de las Naciones Unidas indica directrices precisas para la desinstitucionalización de las personas con discapacidad.
MetroSolutions

The challenge of the digital transformation of social services for inclusive and equitable metropolises

Digitization opens up new opportunities for people’s well-being, while at the same time generating new risks of inequality. (Toni Codina, International Congress of Metropolitan Solutions, September 2022)
Recursos innovadors per a persones refugiades i immigrades

Recursos innovadores para personas refugiadas e inmigradas

En Europa, a raíz de la crisis ucraniana se han puesto en marcha cambios rápidos en las políticas de acogida, así como nuevas iniciativas para ofrecer apoyo a los recién llegados.
Els serveis socials davant les noves vulnerabilitats causades per la digitalització

Los servicios sociales frente a las nuevas vulnerabilidades causadas por la digitalización: el e-social work

E-social work, un nuevo campo de intervención para dar respuesta a unas nuevas vulnerabilidades que agravan muchas situaciones atendidas por los servicios sociales (iSocial Foundation, 2020 May)
Riscs i beneficis de la intervenció social en remot

Riesgos y beneficios de la intervención social en remoto

La transformación digital ha afectado radicalmente la forma de comunicarnos. El sector de los servicios sociales no es la excepción. (iSocial Foundation, 2022 May)

REIR joins as a new member of the iSocial Foundation

Publications News

REIR joins as a new member of the iSocial Foundation

,
REIR, nova entitat membre de iSocial

The iSocial board has approved the incorporation of REIR (Resources for Children at Risk), a social intervention organization that operates mainly in the Vallès Oriental region, as a new member of the Foundation.

On July 9, during the meeting of the iSocial Foundation board, the incorporation of REIR (Educational Resources for Children at Risk) as a member entity of the Foundation was approved. Established in 2007 by professionals from the field of social education and the third sector, REIR works with a multidisciplinary approach to improve the situation of groups at risk of social exclusion and vulnerability, with a primary focus on children.

Since its creation, REIR has carried out significant social intervention work, assisting over 2,500 people at risk of social exclusion across 29 different municipalities. Their projects, including residential centers for minors and integrated care spaces, reflect a strong commitment to equality and social welfare.

The organization has achieved significant regional presence in Vallès Oriental, Vallès Occidental, Osona, and Baix Llobregat, demonstrating its ability to adapt and grow in response to emerging social challenges. With its incorporation into the iSocial Foundation, REIR will bring valuable expertise in the field of child welfare, enriching our project and helping us define and promote new ways to foster innovation in the social sector.

Actualitat

Trobada Solidigital Andorra

Solidigital’s Second Project Meeting Takes Place in Andorra

The seven partner organizations of the European project gather in Andorra to coordinate Solidigital’s deployment plan.
Vincles Alt Urgell

iSocial meets with the 19 Mayors of Alt Urgell to present the Vincles project

Last Wednesday, July 24, we met with nineteen municipal representatives from the Alt Urgell region to explain the Vincles project.
REIR, nova entitat membre de iSocial

REIR joins as a new member of the iSocial Foundation

The iSocial board has approved the incorporation of REIR (Resources for Children at Risk), a social intervention organization that operates mainly in the Vallès Oriental region, as a new member of the Foundation.
Grupo Servicio Sociales

The iSocial Foundation welcomes Grupo SSI as a new member organisation

Grupo Servicios Sociales Integrados (SSI) is a Basque cooperative dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations.
Josep Maria Solé pren el relleu de Montse Cervera com a president

Change in Presidency: Josep Maria Solé Takes Over from Montse Cervera

Montse Cervera, President of iSocial since the foundation’s creation, steps down to make way for Josep Maria Solé.
Rehab-Lab meeting in Liège

iSocial and CIM-UPC Participate in the Annual Rehab-Lab Network Meeting in Belgium

A total of 55 entities from the Rehab-Lab network gathered in Liège to share their knowledge and experiences

The iSocial Foundation welcomes Grupo SSI as a new member organisation

Publications News

The iSocial Foundation welcomes Grupo SSI as a new member organisation

,
Grupo Servicio Sociales

Grupo Servicios Sociales Integrados (SSI) is a Basque cooperative dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations

From the iSocial Foundation, we are pleased to announce the incorporation of Grupo Servicios Sociales Integrados (SSI) as a new member organisation, approved at the last meeting of the iSocial board of trustees on July 9. With over 35 years of experience, SSI is a cooperative dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in situations of social vulnerability and dependency in the Basque Country, with special attention to the elderly.

Grupo SSI stands out for its ability to offer comprehensive and innovative responses to social needs, with a professional team specialized in social intervention and care for dependent people. Additionally, their commitment to research and innovation is reflected in initiatives like the Home Care Lab, an R&D&I unit working on developing new solutions for people’s care.

With their extensive experience in home care, social intervention, prevention of unwanted loneliness, and management of innovation projects, SSI brings great value to our foundation. Their integration strengthens our mission to promote innovation in the social sector and to offer effective solutions to improve people’s well-being.

Their inclusion also represents a new step towards the consolidation of the iSocial Foundation in the Basque Country, where another of our member organisations, the Agintzari cooperative, also works.

We look forward to starting to work together and adding their expertise to the great added value brought by our member organisations, indispensable for the iSocial Foundation project to make sense.

Actualitat

Trobada Solidigital Andorra

Solidigital’s Second Project Meeting Takes Place in Andorra

The seven partner organizations of the European project gather in Andorra to coordinate Solidigital’s deployment plan.
Vincles Alt Urgell

iSocial meets with the 19 Mayors of Alt Urgell to present the Vincles project

Last Wednesday, July 24, we met with nineteen municipal representatives from the Alt Urgell region to explain the Vincles project.
REIR, nova entitat membre de iSocial

REIR joins as a new member of the iSocial Foundation

The iSocial board has approved the incorporation of REIR (Resources for Children at Risk), a social intervention organization that operates mainly in the Vallès Oriental region, as a new member of the Foundation.
Grupo Servicio Sociales

The iSocial Foundation welcomes Grupo SSI as a new member organisation

Grupo Servicios Sociales Integrados (SSI) is a Basque cooperative dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations.
Josep Maria Solé pren el relleu de Montse Cervera com a president

Change in Presidency: Josep Maria Solé Takes Over from Montse Cervera

Montse Cervera, President of iSocial since the foundation’s creation, steps down to make way for Josep Maria Solé.
Rehab-Lab meeting in Liège

iSocial and CIM-UPC Participate in the Annual Rehab-Lab Network Meeting in Belgium

A total of 55 entities from the Rehab-Lab network gathered in Liège to share their knowledge and experiences

Change in Presidency: Josep Maria Solé Takes Over from Montse Cervera

Publications News

Change in Presidency: Josep Maria Solé Takes Over from Montse Cervera

,
Josep Maria Solé pren el relleu de Montse Cervera com a president

Montse Cervera, President of iSocial since the foundation’s creation, steps down to make way for Josep Maria Solé.

At the last board meeting, held on July 9, the iSocial Foundation bid farewell to Montse Cervera, who had served as president since the foundation’s inception. Montse Cervera, along with Toni Codina, co-founded the iSocial Foundation from an embryonic idea that arose during a shared coffee in early 2018. Since then, the Foundation has grown and become a key player in the social innovation ecosystem in Catalonia, and Montse Cervera has been a vital figure, dedicating her time, energy, and knowledge.

Montse Cervera has had a long career in the field of social services, first as a technician at the Department of Social Rights of the Generalitat of Catalonia, and later in various leadership roles: Director General of the no longer existing Catalan Institute of Assistance and Social Services (ICASS) from 1999 to 2003, Head of the Social and Healthcare Unit at Antares Consulting (2007-2016), and Head of Innovation and New Projects at the Ampans Foundation (2015-2020), a member organization of iSocial which she represented on the board. During her presidency, she shared the knowledge she gained throughout her career to help foster iSocial’s growth. During this time, the iSocial Foundation achieved significant milestones and solidified its role as a leader in social sector innovation.

The position will now be held by Josep Maria Solé, President of the Support Girona Foundation and its representative on the iSocial board, where he previously served as Secretary.

The iSocial Foundation wishes Montse Cervera the best and thanks her for her work and commitment. We also warmly welcome Josep Maria Solé as the new president, who will undoubtedly continue and expand upon Montse Cervera’s legacy with the same passion and dedication.

Actualitat

Trobada Solidigital Andorra

Solidigital’s Second Project Meeting Takes Place in Andorra

The seven partner organizations of the European project gather in Andorra to coordinate Solidigital’s deployment plan.
Vincles Alt Urgell

iSocial meets with the 19 Mayors of Alt Urgell to present the Vincles project

Last Wednesday, July 24, we met with nineteen municipal representatives from the Alt Urgell region to explain the Vincles project.
REIR, nova entitat membre de iSocial

REIR joins as a new member of the iSocial Foundation

The iSocial board has approved the incorporation of REIR (Resources for Children at Risk), a social intervention organization that operates mainly in the Vallès Oriental region, as a new member of the Foundation.
Grupo Servicio Sociales

The iSocial Foundation welcomes Grupo SSI as a new member organisation

Grupo Servicios Sociales Integrados (SSI) is a Basque cooperative dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations.
Josep Maria Solé pren el relleu de Montse Cervera com a president

Change in Presidency: Josep Maria Solé Takes Over from Montse Cervera

Montse Cervera, President of iSocial since the foundation’s creation, steps down to make way for Josep Maria Solé.
Rehab-Lab meeting in Liège

iSocial and CIM-UPC Participate in the Annual Rehab-Lab Network Meeting in Belgium

A total of 55 entities from the Rehab-Lab network gathered in Liège to share their knowledge and experiences

Predictive models through big data applied to social services

Publications Articles

Predictive models through big data applied to social services

, ,
Big Data

In recent years, multiple sectors have embraced big data technology and predictive models to manage large amounts of data, draw conclusions, and make predictions. How can this technology be applied to social services?

Every day, the world generates approximately 328.77 million terabytes of data, according to a Market Splash analysis from 2024. In recent years, the growth rate has increased exponentially. From 2010 to 2023, for example, the amount of data generated has increased in volume by 60 times, although only 10% of these data are unique, as the rest are duplicated information on the network.

In this context, most sectors are incorporating intelligent data analysis services to manage data, draw conclusions, and make predictions. Social services are no exception. In recent years, the sector has embraced big data technology to collect information in the socio-health field and thus be able to act preventively, personally, and efficiently. Next, we will explore what big data and predictive models are, what opportunities they present for social services, and what innovative initiatives are already being carried out.

What is big data?

Broadly speaking, we could define big data as a set of data that, due to its large volume, cannot be processed or managed with traditional integration databases. More specifically, we find that big data is based on the paradigm of the 3 V’s:

  • Volume. A large amount of data is worked with, requiring new storage techniques and new approaches.
  • Variety. The data comes from various sources and formats, such as messages, videos, images, or emoticons. Therefore, tools that can decipher all types of content are needed.
  • Velocity. The large volume of data requires that it be processed and analyzed quickly to prevent the results from becoming outdated once deciphered.

According to the report Big Data and its impact on the public sector, coordinated by Chema Maroto, four more characteristics can currently be added:

  • Variability. This trait refers to data that constantly changes its meaning, something particularly applicable in the case of language, as words do not have static meanings and require context to be understood. This point is one of the main challenges of big data and demands the design of processing programs capable of understanding each context to decode the precise meaning of each word.
  • Veracity. The results obtained when processing large amounts of data are only useful if the data being worked with is accurate and truthful. Therefore, it is crucial to keep in mind that sometimes data can be presented in a disordered manner, as well as to know how to distinguish errors and excess noise, that is, all those false or irrelevant information. To carry out this task, it is necessary to accompany the algorithms with professional human supervision.
  • Visualization. Another important challenge of big data is the ability to visually represent large amounts of data obtained. Traditional data representation methods are no longer sufficient; instead, it is necessary to find simple and accessible ways to visualize information.
  • Value. Big data provides added value in the different areas where it is applied. For example, in the case of social services, it can mean economic and time savings in user care.

What are predictive models?

One of the applications of intelligent data analysis is the creation of predictive models. In the case of social services, these models can help professionals make better decisions.

A predictive model is a type of mathematical model that allows making predictions in the future based on past data. Through big data technology and machine learning, it is possible to infer how a variable will behave in the future based on other known variables.

To implement a predictive model, data must first be prepared to minimize noise and analyze it. Next, the predictive model to be used and the problem to be solved through it are selected. Then, the model is trained and validated to reach its implementation, which will be accompanied by monitoring to identify possible errors and improvements. Ensuring the quality of the data entered into the system is essential, as the reliability of the results obtained from the model will depend on it.

Big data predictive models and social services

Big data technology, in combination with other tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, allows analyzing social services system data to look for patterns (repetitions, anomalies, or correlations) that are usually too complex to detect manually. Along with other data sources, this can allow us, for example, to anticipate the emergence and evolution of population needs. In this sense, predictive models can help advance social services in four important areas: prevention, personalization, planning, and efficiency.

According to Big Data: What are the Implications for Public Sector Policy in Society 5.0 Era? (Fajar Rahmanto et al.), the combination of big data and artificial intelligence allows obtaining information that can become a very good starting point in decision-making and improving automation systems.

However, it is essential to define good security policies when dealing with personal and confidential information in the socio-health field, as the data being worked with is very sensitive and intimate.

Initiatives

Currently, the social sector is carrying out numerous initiatives that use big data to make predictions and act preventively. Below, we summarize some initiatives that work in this direction:

  • PACT Project. In Castilla y León, the PACT project uses an algorithm developed from big data and machine learning techniques capable of predicting the risk of social exclusion of social services users. Through ten main risk factors, the predictive model can determine which of the people requesting the minimum guaranteed income will continue to need this benefit for 60 months or more. Through a mobile application, professionals have access to these forecasts and can make better decisions.
  • Predictive and descriptive tool. In Catalonia, the Association for Welfare and Development (ABD), in collaboration with Momentum Analytics, has developed a predictive tool based on big data and artificial intelligence that allows describing the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the families in the territory with the aim of helping municipal social services better understand current real needs, predict future ones, dimension the service portfolio, and plan resources.
  • One View. In the United Kingdom, the One View system analyzes the set of data related to services for adults, children, and homeless people to identify existing risk situations that could lead to homelessness in the near future. The analytical model includes income, benefits, and school data, obtaining a general and complete view of citizens and households. The model has a preventive approach and can detect future risk situations 6 to 9 months before they occur.
  • Crisis Text Line. This American initiative uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict high-risk suicide or self-harm situations. The system is based on the analysis of 30 million messages that users have sent through a prevention hotline and is capable of identifying which cases are more urgent. Thus, 94% of high-risk people receive an intervention in less than 5 minutes.
  • L’Allegheny Family Screening Tool (AFST). Also in the United States, this big data system provides social services professionals with an objective assessment of child neglect risk situations through more than a hundred parameters. When a case is received, the algorithm calculates the risk index to guide professional action.

In conclusion, big data and predictive models in social services represent an interesting tool to improve efficiency, personalization, and prevention in population care. The ability to process and analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately, as well as generate predictive models, allows professionals to anticipate needs, identify risk situations, and make decisions based on solid evidence. Initiatives such as the PACT project in Castilla y León, the predictive tool of ABD in Catalonia, and the One View system in the United Kingdom demonstrate the positive impact of these technologies in the socio-health field. However, it is essential to implement robust security policies to protect the privacy of confidential data and ensure its veracity. Ultimately, big data and predictive models are key to a future where social services are more proactive and effective in their mission of supporting communities and individuals.

References

Albendea, G. L. (2021, 15 juliol). ‘Big data’: una herramienta de predicción útil para el sector social. Revista Haz. https://hazrevista.org/innovacion-social/2017/11/big-data-una-herramienta-de-prediccion-util-para-el-sector-social/ [08/07/2024]

Big data y su impacto en el sector público. (s. f.). Harvard Deusto Business Review. https://xodel.diba.cat/sites/xodel.diba.cat/files/big_data_y_su_impacto_en_el_sector_publico.pdf [08/07/2024]

Cicle de reflexió “Big Data i serveis socials”. (2019). Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/cicle-de-reflexio-big-data-i-serveis-socials/ [08/07/2024]

Díaz, A. (2022, 28 diciembre). Modelos predictivos, que es, ejemplos y herramientas. Todo Bigdata. https://todobigdata.com/modelos-predictivos/modelos-predictivos-que-es-ejemplos-y-herramientas/ [17/04/24]

El Big Data al tercer sector. (2023, 8 març). Xarxanet – Entitats I Voluntariat de Catalunya Per un Món Millor. https://xarxanet.org/juridic/recursos/el-big-data-al-tercer-sector [08/07/2024]

ESADE Business & Law School. (2018, 2 octubre). La transformación digital en el Tercer Sector, retos y oportunidades. Cinco Días. https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2018/10/01/idearium/1538406345_325528.html [08/07/2024]

ESIC Business & Marketing School. (s. f.). Análisis predictivo: con Big Data el futuro no se predice, se cambia. ESIC. https://www.esic.edu/rethink/tecnologia/analisis-predictivo-big-data-futuro-no-se-predice-se-cambia [17/07/24]

Fundació iSocial. (2024, 19 juny). One View, sistema predictiu i preventiu de situacions de sensellarisme – Fundació iSocial. Innovació en. Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/one-view-sistema-predictiu-i-preventiu-de-situacions-de-sensellarisme/ [08/07/2024]

Fundació iSocial. (2024, 19 juny). PACT, eina big data per preveure el risc d’exclusió social crònica – Fundació iSocial. Innovació en. Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/pact-eina-big-data-per-preveure-el-risc-dexclusio-social-cronica/ [08/07/2024]

Fundació iSocial. (2024, juny 19). Eina predictiva de situacions de vulnerabilitat, per millorar la planificació dels Serveis Socials -. Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/eina-predictiva-de-situacions-de-vulnerabilitat-per-millorar-la-planificacio-dels-serveis-socials/ [08/07/2024]

Fundació iSocial. (2024, juny 19). VioGén, sistema de seguiment integral de casos de violència masclista – Fundació iSocial. Innovació en. Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/viogen-sistema-de-seguiment-integral-de-casos-de-violencia-masclista/ [08/07/2024]

Rahmanto, F., Pribadi, U., & Priyanto, A. (2021). Big Data: What are the Implications for Public Sector Policy in Society 5.0 Era. IOP Conference Series. Earth And Environmental Science, 717(1), 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/717/1/012009 [08/07/2024]

Rodríguez, S. (2019, 31 julio). Claves para implantar un modelo predictivo. Big Data Magazine. https://bigdatamagazine.es/claves-para-implantar-un-modelo-predictivo/ [17/07/24]

Sesmero, J. M. M. (2015). Big data; application and use for the health system. DOAJ (Directory Of Open Access Journals), 39(2), 69-70. https://doi.org/10.7399/fh.2015.39.2.8835 [08/07/2024]

Song, T., & Ryu, S. (2015). Big Data Analysis Framework for Healthcare and Social Sectors in Korea. Healthcare Informatics Research, 21(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2015.21.1.3 [08/07/2024]

Articles

En aquest article, abordem propostes innovadores per combatre la soledat no desitjada

Innovative proposals to combat unwanted loneliness in the elderly

Unwanted loneliness is a problem that has a particularly relevant impact on the elderly population. How should it be addressed? What innovative tools can be promoted from social services to reverse this feeling?
Desinstitucionalización y vida en comunidad de las personas con discapacidad

Desinstitucionalización y vida en comunidad de las personas con discapacidad

Una nueva guía de las Naciones Unidas indica directrices precisas para la desinstitucionalización de las personas con discapacidad.
MetroSolutions

The challenge of the digital transformation of social services for inclusive and equitable metropolises

Digitization opens up new opportunities for people’s well-being, while at the same time generating new risks of inequality. (Toni Codina, International Congress of Metropolitan Solutions, September 2022)
Recursos innovadors per a persones refugiades i immigrades

Recursos innovadores para personas refugiadas e inmigradas

En Europa, a raíz de la crisis ucraniana se han puesto en marcha cambios rápidos en las políticas de acogida, así como nuevas iniciativas para ofrecer apoyo a los recién llegados.
Els serveis socials davant les noves vulnerabilitats causades per la digitalització

Los servicios sociales frente a las nuevas vulnerabilidades causadas por la digitalización: el e-social work

E-social work, un nuevo campo de intervención para dar respuesta a unas nuevas vulnerabilidades que agravan muchas situaciones atendidas por los servicios sociales (iSocial Foundation, 2020 May)
Riscs i beneficis de la intervenció social en remot

Riesgos y beneficios de la intervención social en remoto

La transformación digital ha afectado radicalmente la forma de comunicarnos. El sector de los servicios sociales no es la excepción. (iSocial Foundation, 2022 May)

Innovative Services in Drug Addiction: Family Support and Risk Prevention

Campus InnoBreaks

Innovative Services in Drug Addiction: Family Support and Risk Prevention

Innobeak - Serveis innovadors en drogodependencia

BRUS (Denmark) and Energy Control (Catalonia). Held on 2nd July, 2024.

Drug use is a complex phenomenon, surrounded by debate, multifactorial problems, legal and ethical intricacies, and often stigmas. The reasons for its use can vary and stem from diverse social, cultural, psychological, and economic circumstances.

Clearly, not all forms of drug use carry the same level of risk, although it is also true that zero risk does not exist. For this reason, working on information, counselling, and support, while breaking the taboos that render the reality of drugs invisible, is a fundamental step in reducing the negative impact these substances have on individuals.

This approach, practiced by numerous professionals and organizations for years, proves to be a much more effective alternative than purely preventive or restrictive measures, which often tend to shift or overlook the core of the problem.

In this edition of Innobreak, we will present two innovative initiatives in their approach to addressing drug use and its effects on society:

  • BRUS (Denmark) is a program aimed at young people up to the age of 24 who live in families affected by alcohol and drug addictions. Driven by the Center for Digital Pædagogik (CfDP), this initiative seeks to break the taboo surrounding family addictions through face-to-face meetings and an anonymous chat service. Through these tools, BRUS offers a safe space where young people can express their experiences and focus on their own needs, promoting their emotional well-being and reducing the burden of responsibilities that they should not have to bear.
  • Energy Control (Catalonia) is an ABD program dedicated to reducing the risks associated with drug use, with a realistic approach based on providing users with objective information about their use and a substance analysis service. Additionally, they raise awareness among nightlife professionals and collect data on the unregulated market, providing early warnings about adulterated products to protect consumers’ health.

Speakers:

  • Anne Matte Hansen, BRUS (Denmark)
  • Mireia Ventura, Energy Control (Catalonia)

Innobreaks

Innobreak - Webinar d'innovació

New Models of Social Housing Against Exclusion

Mixed Living (Netherlands) and Llar Casa Bloc (Catalonia). Held on 31/10/23.
New digital tools at the service of people who care

New digital tools at the service of people who care

OKencasa (Basque Country) and myCarenet (Catalonia). Held on 11/07/2023.
Guides and simulators for economically vulnerable populations

Guides and simulators for economically vulnerable populations

Soliguide (France) and Les meves ajudes (Spain). Held on 9/05/2023
Innovative tools for people with communication difficulties

Innovative tools for people with communication difficulties

Talking Mats (United Kingdom) and Voiceitt (Israel). Online. Held on 14/03/2023.
Innovative therapeutic solutions for people with dementia

Innovative therapeutic solutions for people with dementia

Innovative therapeutic solutions for people with dementia. Therapeutic Gardens Mati 1909 (Italy) and MK360 Immersive Technology (Catalonia). Held on 17/01/2023
Community work platforms and activation of neighborhood cooperation.

Community work platforms and activation of neighborhood cooperation.

Community work platforms and activation of neighborhood cooperation – HOPLR  (Belgium i A-Porta (Catalonia) – Held on 29/11/2022

Social innovation in the protection of children and adolescents at risk

Publications Articles

Social innovation in the protection of children and adolescents at risk

, , , ,
Infància i adolescència en risc

According to UNICEF, it is estimated that more than 1 billion children and adolescents are victims of violence worldwide, with profound, lasting, and sometimes deadly consequences. How can social innovation be applied to child protection?

Protection of Children and Adolescents

Child protection involves preventing exploitation, abuse, harmful practices, and violence against children and adolescents (C&A), as well as taking action when any of these situations occur. This protection is recognized in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to UNICEF, it is estimated that more than 1 billion C&A are victims of violence worldwide, with profound, lasting, and sometimes deadly consequences. The latest data from PAHO reveal that one in two children between the ages of two and seventeen experiences some form of violence each year. Additionally, according to Save the Children, one in two victims of sexual violence is a child. On average, these victims must recount the events four times after reporting them, and the average duration of the legal process is three years. Furthermore, seven out of ten open cases do not reach oral trial.

According to the study Vulnerability and Exclusion in Childhood, social exclusion in childhood is a multidimensional process affecting different areas, such as residential, socio-health, and relational. Additionally, this study identifies vulnerable groups at greater risk of exclusion, such as children with disabilities, those from minority ethnic groups, or those in situations of family neglect.

In this article, we will explore some innovative proposals and perspectives in the field of child protection that aim to improve the response of social services and social entities to situations of child vulnerability.

Safe spaces for child victims of sexual violence: The Barnahus Model

The Barnahus (children’s house in Icelandic) is an innovative, multidisciplinary, and inter-institutional model that coordinates criminal investigations and social services evaluations in cases of child and youth sexual abuse and violence. The integrated units, formed by specialized teams, aim to avoid the revictimization of children and adolescents and provide all necessary care in one center. The purpose is to place the victim and their well-being at the center of processes, reduce waiting times for help, and improve the efficiency and coordination of the response.

The Barnahus model prevents victims from having to go through courts, police stations, hospitals, and child services. The spaces have a welcoming and pleasant appearance that provides security, comfort, and trust to children and families. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 7 pm, and is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, with professionals from different areas of the Administration, such as health, social services, or the judicial sector.

Originally, the National Children’s Advocacy Centre in the United States developed the Barnahus model, and Reykjavik was the first European city to implement it in 1998. In Iceland, according to Save The Children, after extending the Barnahus model throughout the country, convictions for child abuse and violence have doubled, and accusations have tripled. In Catalonia, the Generalitat started a pilot program in Tarragona in 2020, which was pioneering for the rest of Spain. After the center’s positive reception, other units have been opened in various Catalan localities, such as La Seu d’Urgell, Terrassa (both managed by Intress), Granollers (Idea Foundation), and Barcelona (FASI), among others.

Deinstitutionalization

In Spain, in 2021, there were 48,357 children and adolescents in institutionalization, according to a study by the EDI project (Deinstitutionalization Study) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030. On the other hand, the report Deinstitutionalization of the Child and Adolescent Protection System (Síndic de Greuges, 2023) states that in Catalonia, there are 32,481 children and adolescents –2.4% of the total– who live with their families but do not receive adequate care to ensure their optimal development and well-being.

Child institutionalization is a protective administrative measure in response to a situation that poses a risk to a child within their family. As a result, the child’s custody falls to the Public Administration, and various social entities take care of them through shelters, transition apartments to adult life, or residential centers, among others. According to the Síndic de Greuges report, the child and adolescent protection system not only functions to prevent maltreatment or ensure the safety of minors once these have occurred but also works on two fundamental lines:

  • Prevention: The most efficient way to protect children is through support measures for families, both materially and psychosocially, to support them in their parental functions.
  • Prioritize the return of the child to their family unit: Through family support, the main objective should be to overcome the situation of neglect that led to the separation.

In this regard, the report proposes evolving from a perspective based on “separate to protect” to a system based on “prevent to protect” and “protect for return“. However, in this institutionalization process, there are rights that may conflict. The EDI considers that, when articulating the protection system, the best interests of the C&A are often not prioritized. Consequently, institutionalization leads to social, psychological, and physical marginalization and restrictions, among others. The deinstitutionalization model is a process that aims to transform services for vulnerable people, accompanying them in their daily lives and providing follow-up without centralizing care in institutions. In the case of child protection, this perspective works to move towards a system that centers children’s rights and involves families as an essential element to ensure children’s well-being, with a preventive approach.

According to the EDI, a profound cultural change is necessary to successfully implement public policies based on children’s rights. In this sense, it is essential that professionals receive specific training to promote equity, justice, and the well-being of minors, as well as create personalized care models that prioritize children’s dignity, autonomy, and development. Another key measure, as pointed out by the study, is to include ethical audits as a complement to inspection and control instruments to specify the rights that come into conflict, the desirable standards, and the management and improvement systems focused on the best interests of C&A.

Worldwide, work is also being done along these lines. In Italy, the P.I.P.P.I. program (Intervention Program for the Prevention of Institutionalization) seeks to reduce child institutionalization in vulnerable families through a set of actions that address children’s needs. For example, through intensive home care, group activities with other families, and joint work with teachers and social workers.

Similarly, the Youth and Family Office project in Austria accompanies vulnerable families during the upbringing process through flexible advice adapted to each specific case. Through an approach where children and the family are at the center, the aim is to avoid institutionalization.

On the other hand, the Scottish entity Aberlour, through the Intensive Perinatal Support Service program, works to maximize the chances that babies can safely stay with their families. The project supports mothers during pregnancy and the baby’s first year, offering assistance in preparing for the baby’s arrival home, substance abuse recovery, and family bonding, among other services.

Technological Tools

In the field of social innovation, technology enables the creation of efficient tools to address various social problems. In the case of the protection of children and adolescents at risk, numerous initiatives combine technological knowledge with a social perspective. Below, we present four innovative projects in this field:

  • Rafiki (SOS Children’s Villages): Rafiki is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to support professionals caring for children and young people. It is an application that includes a digital assistant configured to answer questions in real time, with links to expand knowledge. In this way, social workers can make better decisions adapted to their context. The areas it covers are diverse, such as parenting, mental health, protection, or psychosocial support. The application has been implemented in countries such as Malawi, Nigeria, and South Africa.
  • Primero (UNICEF): Primero is an open-source technology platform that collects and manages data from children in emergency migration contexts to help social workers manage data related to child protection. The tools facilitate case management, incident tracking, migrant child tracking, and family reunification.
  • Kanjo (Andoain City Council): Kanjo is an application that systematically records the emotional state of adolescents through a tablet. Subsequently, an algorithm analyzes emotional patterns to detect risk cases early. The main function and objective of the program are to support children and adolescents in learning emotional management, as well as to prevent cases of risk and vulnerability.
  • AFST (Allegheny County): The Allegheny Family Screening Tool (AFST) is a Big Data system that provides social services professionals with an objective assessment of risk situations in child neglect. The tool, based on algorithms capable of interrelating a large amount of data, allows cases to be detected preventively and activates social intervention protocols.
  • FLAPP! (Fundació iSocial): Flapp! is a digital platform aimed at adolescents and young people aged 16 to 23 in situations of social fragility and in need of support. The application includes support tools that enhance their autonomy in the emancipation process. Among other resources, it includes a digital safe, an alarm button, and a chat that allows young people to connect with their reference professionals without either using their personal phone numbers. These tools enable social services and entities to establish a communication channel with young people and accompany them with greater guarantees.

Child protection encompasses different areas of intervention in social services, and it is important for professionals to be familiar with all of them to provide a coordinated response to the needs of children and adolescents. In this sense, the cases we have seen in this article are examples of this interdisciplinary and multifactorial approach. On the one hand, the Barnahus model improves efficiency in managing cases of child sexual abuse through coordination between various services; on the other hand, deinstitutionalization is a perspective that places children’s well-being at the center and works to prevent and reduce situations of uprooting; and finally, the different technological tools provide useful instruments to advance towards a more efficient and innovative social sector, capable of facing the new challenges of today’s society.

References

Barnahus en España. (n. d.). Children’s Rights. https://www.coe.int/es/web/children/barnahus-spain [04/06/24]

Barnahus, servei d’atenció a infants víctimes d’abusos sexuals. (February 22, 2024) Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/barnahus-servei-atencio-infants-victimes-abusos-sexuals/ [04/06/24]

Estrategia de protección de la infancia. (n. d.). UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/es/documents/estrategia-de-protecci%C3%B3n-de-la-infancia#:~:text=La%20protecci%C3%B3n%20infantil%20es%20la%20prevenci%C3%B3n%20y%20la,del%20Ni%C3%B1o%20y%20los%20Objetivos%20de%20Desarrollo%20Sostenible [04/06/2024]

Estrategia estatal de desinstitucionalización. (December 18, 2023). Estrategia estatal de desinstitucionalización. https://estrategiadesinstitucionalizacion.gob.es/ [04/06/24]

El modelo Barnahus. (n. d.). Save The Children. https://www.savethechildren.es/modelo-barnahus [04/06/24]

Emantik, servei de detecció i atenció del malestar infantil i adolescent. (April 21, 2022) Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/emantik-servei-de-deteccio-i-atencio-del-malestar-infantil-i-adolescent/ [04/06/24]

Infancia y juventud. (n.d). Proyecto EDI. https://estudiodesinstitucionalizacion.gob.es/infancia-y-juventud/ [04/06/24]

Ocón, J. (November, 2006). Normativa internacional de protección de la infancia. Cuadernos de Trabajo Social. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/27591862_Normativa_internacional_de_proteccion_de_la_infancia [04/06/2024]

Picontó, T. (June 22, 2016). Fisuras en la Protección de los Derechos de la Infancia. Cuadernos Electrónicos de Filosofía del Derecho. https://zaguan.unizar.es/record/64536/files/texto_completo.pdf [04/06/2024]

Primero, plataforma digital per a la protecció de la infància en contextos migratoris (June 7, 2022). Fundació iSocial. https://isocial.cat/primero-plataforma-digital-per-a-la-proteccio-de-la-infancia-en-contextos-migratoris/ [04/06/24]

Proyecto EDI. (n.d). Estudio sobre los procesos de desinstitucionalización y transición hacia modelos de apoyo personalizados y comunitarios: Niños, niñas y adolescentes. Observatorio de la Infancia. https://www.observatoriodelainfancia.es/oia/esp/descargar.aspx?id=8553&tipo=documento [04/06/24]

Rafiki uses artificial intelligence to support child and youth care practitioners. (May 17, 2022). Sos Children’s Villages. https://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/news/rafiki-digital-care-assistant [04/06/24]

Síndic de Greuges. (November, 2023). Desinstitucionalització del sistema de protecció a la infància i l’adolescència. https://www.sindic.cat/site/unitFiles/9755/Informe%20centres%20de%20proteccio%20sencer_cat.pdf [11/06/24]

Violencia contra las niñas y los niños. (June 6, 2023). OPS/OMS | Organización Panamericana de la Salud. https://www.paho.org/es/temas/violencia-contra-ninas-ninos [04/06/24]

Vulnerabilidad y Exclusión en la Infancia. (n. d.). UNICEF España. https://www.unicef.es/publicacion/vulnerabilidad-y-exclusion-en-la-infancia [04/06/24]

Articles

En aquest article, abordem propostes innovadores per combatre la soledat no desitjada

Innovative proposals to combat unwanted loneliness in the elderly

Unwanted loneliness is a problem that has a particularly relevant impact on the elderly population. How should it be addressed? What innovative tools can be promoted from social services to reverse this feeling?
Desinstitucionalización y vida en comunidad de las personas con discapacidad

Desinstitucionalización y vida en comunidad de las personas con discapacidad

Una nueva guía de las Naciones Unidas indica directrices precisas para la desinstitucionalización de las personas con discapacidad.
MetroSolutions

The challenge of the digital transformation of social services for inclusive and equitable metropolises

Digitization opens up new opportunities for people’s well-being, while at the same time generating new risks of inequality. (Toni Codina, International Congress of Metropolitan Solutions, September 2022)
Recursos innovadors per a persones refugiades i immigrades

Recursos innovadores para personas refugiadas e inmigradas

En Europa, a raíz de la crisis ucraniana se han puesto en marcha cambios rápidos en las políticas de acogida, así como nuevas iniciativas para ofrecer apoyo a los recién llegados.
Els serveis socials davant les noves vulnerabilitats causades per la digitalització

Los servicios sociales frente a las nuevas vulnerabilidades causadas por la digitalización: el e-social work

E-social work, un nuevo campo de intervención para dar respuesta a unas nuevas vulnerabilidades que agravan muchas situaciones atendidas por los servicios sociales (iSocial Foundation, 2020 May)
Riscs i beneficis de la intervenció social en remot

Riesgos y beneficios de la intervención social en remoto

La transformación digital ha afectado radicalmente la forma de comunicarnos. El sector de los servicios sociales no es la excepción. (iSocial Foundation, 2022 May)

iSocial and CIM-UPC Participate in the Annual Rehab-Lab Network Meeting in Belgium

Publications News

iSocial and CIM-UPC Participate in the Annual Rehab-Lab Network Meeting in Belgium

,
Rehab-Lab meeting in Liège

A total of 55 entities from the Rehab-Lab network gathered in Liège to share their knowledge and experiences

Liège (Belgium) hosted the annual European meeting of the Rehab-Lab Network, focused on the design and 3D printing of personalized functional aids, on May 30 and 31.

About sixty participants from the 55 FabLabs within the network, spanning France, Belgium, Italy, Romania, and recently, Catalonia, attended. Representing Catalonia were Toni Codina, Director of the iSocial Foundation, and Felip Fenollosa, Research Director of the CIM Foundation at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). They represented the Rehab-Lab.cat 2023-2025 project, funded by the Next Generation funds.

Over two days, participants shared their knowledge and experiences in designing and 3D printing customized plastic parts that help improve personal autonomy in daily activities for people with disabilities.

During the meeting, the Catalan representatives, attending for the first time, had the opportunity to present the Rehab-Lab.cat project to the other European participants. Since 2023, this project has been implementing and expanding this innovative service in Catalonia to benefit people with disabilities.

Currently, Catalonia has its first two FabLabs for personalized functional aids, opened by the Ampans Foundation in Manresa and at the Guttmann Institute in Badalona. In 2024 and 2025, the iSocial Foundation plans to launch at least six more in various locations across Catalonia, in collaboration with disability sector organizations and with the support of other project partners: Avinent, CIM-UPC, Ampans, and Guttmann.

Additionally, the participants approved that the next annual meeting in 2025 will be held in Barcelona.

Actualitat

Trobada Solidigital Andorra

Solidigital’s Second Project Meeting Takes Place in Andorra

The seven partner organizations of the European project gather in Andorra to coordinate Solidigital’s deployment plan.
Vincles Alt Urgell

iSocial meets with the 19 Mayors of Alt Urgell to present the Vincles project

Last Wednesday, July 24, we met with nineteen municipal representatives from the Alt Urgell region to explain the Vincles project.
REIR, nova entitat membre de iSocial

REIR joins as a new member of the iSocial Foundation

The iSocial board has approved the incorporation of REIR (Resources for Children at Risk), a social intervention organization that operates mainly in the Vallès Oriental region, as a new member of the Foundation.
Grupo Servicio Sociales

The iSocial Foundation welcomes Grupo SSI as a new member organisation

Grupo Servicios Sociales Integrados (SSI) is a Basque cooperative dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations.
Josep Maria Solé pren el relleu de Montse Cervera com a president

Change in Presidency: Josep Maria Solé Takes Over from Montse Cervera

Montse Cervera, President of iSocial since the foundation’s creation, steps down to make way for Josep Maria Solé.
Rehab-Lab meeting in Liège

iSocial and CIM-UPC Participate in the Annual Rehab-Lab Network Meeting in Belgium

A total of 55 entities from the Rehab-Lab network gathered in Liège to share their knowledge and experiences