LL-00241
Connecting Generations in Diversity
Common Territorial Challenges
Latvia and Lithuania, in line with global trends, are experiencing a growing senior population facing social isolation and loneliness. Simultaneously, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are also at risk of isolation, maladaptive behaviour, and loneliness. Both groups require support to find a sense of belonging and purpose. While social services play a crucial role, intergenerational interaction, joint activities, and the sharing of experiences and skills are essential to strengthening these social connections.
Project Objective
The project seeks to promote social inclusion and community cohesion by developing an innovative intergenerational approach that brings together seniors and young people in Latvia and Lithuania. The approach will:
- Foster mutual experience-sharing and intergenerational support;
- Train and upskill professionals working with the target groups;
- Activate local communities and encourage greater civic participation;
- Develop new guidelines providing social work and community specialists with a practical tool for effective engagement with the target groups;
- Assess the involvement of volunteers in social services in the Kurzeme Region.
The intergenerational approach will integrate elements of Healthy Ageing (HA) and Positive Youth Development (PYD), such as competence, connection, caring, and both physical and emotional well-being. Activities will include skill-building sessions, experience-sharing events, community initiatives, and professional training programmes. These initiatives will strengthen the intergenerational link, enhance the work of social specialists, and contribute to sustainable community-based social work development.
In addition, public awareness activities will highlight the importance of intergenerational collaboration, foster social inclusion, and promote sustainable community growth.
Target Groups
- Young people (aged 14–29), including those from disadvantaged backgrounds;
- Seniors (aged 65+);
- Professionals working with the target groups.
Project Duration: 15 April 2025 – 14 April 2027
Total Project Financing: EUR 359,134.28
(incl. EUR 287,307.41 from the European Regional Development Fund)
Project Funding for Kurzeme Planning Region: EUR 160,911.25
(incl. EUR 128,729.00 from the European Regional Development Fund)
Lead Partner:
- Kurzeme Planning Region – www.kurzemesregions.lv
Project Partners:
- Tukums Municipal Social Service – https://www.tukums.lv/lv/filiale/tukuma-novada-socialais-dienests
- Kretinga Day Care Centre – https://www.kretingosdvc.lt/
- NGO “Metų rievės” – https://meturieves.lt/
Project Manager:
Sandra Miķelsone–Slava
Phone: +371 26085158
E-mail: sandra.mikelsone@kurzemesregions.lv
