ESF-SI-2024-UA-01-0055

The project contributes to the integration and social inclusion of Ukrainian (UA) refugees in Germany, Poland, and Lithuania, focusing on caregivers of persons with disabilities (PWD), and partly on PWD.  

PWD caregivers among UA refugees are in an even more stressful situation. Their integration (esp. into the labour market) is impeded by their caring tasks, additional psychological strain and often social isolation. So far, their specific needs could often not be met sufficiently, not least because there are not even enough reliable data for a systematic outreach to them. 

The consortium consists of the applicant Austausch e.V. (Berlin) and the co-applicants Mudita (Kraków) and Lithuanian Disability Forum (Vilnius). Together, they bring to the project their long-term expertise and networks in the field of inclusion for PWD. All three have, since 2022, expanded their commitment to PWD and their families among UA refugees. They have jointly designed the project, aiming at an innovative model that complements existing services for UA refugees with tailored activities for the target group.  

The project activities and objectives comprise: expert research and analysis and dissemination of the results to stakeholders as a basis for well-informed initiatives and decisions (DE, PL, LT); empowering the target group to master integration through information, networking (incl. with local PWD initiatives), self-help groups, trainings, and mentoring (DE, PL); supporting integration into the labour market by facilitating internships and/or suitable employment (DE, PL); raising awareness among decision-makers, employers and the general public regarding the target group, through advocacy and information campaigns (DE, PL, LT); networking between all relevant stakeholders (DE, PL, LT). Detailed monitoring and evaluation will help to secure the model’s long-term impact through capacity-building, new networks and transferability to other regions and countries.

Funding: 526,478.00 Eur