The ciudadelas project, driven by the Municipal Foundation of Social Services (FMSS) of Gijón, has received significant recognition for its innovative approach to social care. It has been chosen as one of ten exemplary experiences to be awarded for best practices in intervention and research within the fields of social services and social innovation at the XXXIII Annual Congress of the State Association of Directors and Managers of Social Services.
This congress will take place on 5 and 6 November in Fuenlabrada, a town near Madrid, under the theme "20 years of the Dependency Care System and the new challenges of the law reform with new funding." On 5 November at 17:00, the awarded best practices will be presented, including ciudadelas from the FMSS.
This accolade highlights the FMSS's commitment to innovative practices aimed at transforming the Home Help Service (SAD), placing elderly and dependent individuals at the centre of care. The ciudadelas project focuses on organising service professionals into stable local teams, promoting personalised care, better coordination with social and health services, and stronger connections with the community surrounding users.
The project began its pilot phase in the El Coto neighbourhood, employing 15 professionals who currently assist around 50 individuals. The FMSS will also continue its presence at the congress on 6 November, where Marta Vega, head of the Department of Elderly People at the Foundation, will participate in a panel titled "The Home Help Service: Innovation from a Community Perspective," sharing insights on the ciudadelas model.
This recognition follows a recent award received at the II La Laguna Social Forum, where ciudadelas was distinguished as a good practice in intervention. With these accolades, ciudadelas solidifies its reputation as an innovative experience in the field of care, reinforcing the FMSS's commitment to social services that prioritise individuals, their autonomy, and their environment.
