During the implementation of the project “Development of a concept for mobile integrated services for socially vulnerable groups in Livani and Mažeikiai” (MultiMobile, No. LL-00088), a series of experience sharing events were organized in both countries. The events took place in the city of Livani in Latvia and in the municipalities of Telšiai, Plungė districts and Rietavas in Lithuania, bringing together representatives from municipalities and institutions that provide social and other municipal services and face similar challenges in rural areas on a daily basis.
Events in Latvia: three experience sharing meetings in Livani
Three experience sharing events were organized in the city of Livani, the aim of which was to promote cooperation, exchange of knowledge and good practices between Latvian municipalities, as well as to stimulate discussions on innovative solutions that improve the accessibility of social services for socially vulnerable groups of the population.
Representatives of Latvian municipalities participating in the events had the opportunity to hear about the results achieved by the MultiMobile project, including the developed methodological guidelines and mobile social services created during the pilot project. During the event, a presentation video prepared during the project was demonstrated, providing a visual insight into the functioning of the mobile multifunctional service model.
Active discussions took place about the validity of the project idea, its compliance with the needs of target groups, as well as about possible improvements and the implementation of sustainable solutions in the future. Participants had the opportunity to listen to the experience of other municipalities in solving social problems and gain practical insights for their work. The event program was supplemented by a lecturer’s report on ensuring equal opportunities, social inclusion innovations and foreign good practices in the field of social services.
Events in Lithuania: exchange of good practices in three municipalities
Good practice exchange conferences were held in the municipalities of Telšiai, Plungė districts and Rietavas, dedicated to the presentation of the implemented MultiMobile project. The events discussed the problems of accessibility of social services, held discussions and exchanged experiences.
Representatives of the Mažeikiai District Municipality presented the project “MultiMobile”, its objectives, implementation activities, results, developed methodology and developed mobile, complex social service models for socially vulnerable groups of the population, especially those living in remote areas.
During the conferences, the problems of accessibility of social services in municipalities were also discussed, experiences were exchanged and examples of foreign good practices were presented. The report “Social Inclusion Innovations and Communication with Socially Vulnerable Persons” was presented, and the improvement of social services in rural areas was discussed.
Main topics of discussion and insights
Several common topics and challenges emerged during the events held in both countries. Participants discussed the increasing distances between service centers and residents’ places of residence, limited accessibility to public transport, population aging and digital divide in rural areas. It was emphasized that traditional stationary models of social service provision are increasingly unable to meet the needs of residents of rural areas.
The events shared specific insights into the advantages of the mobile service model. It became clear that mobile and flexible social service solutions are a necessary tool for reducing social exclusion and improving the availability of services in rural areas, while promoting cooperation and long-term development between municipalities. Participants positively assessed the use of electric buses as an ecological and modern solution, symbolizing a modern approach to the provision of public services.
The discussions also discussed specific possibilities for adapting the methodological guidelines and instructions developed by the MultiMobile project to other municipalities. Participants emphasized the importance of a systematic approach, including route planning, service portfolio formation, quality assurance and continuous improvement. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of an individual approach to each client and the development of digital competencies as a long-term investment.
