We aimed to improve the practices of organisations working with vulnerable groups by developing participatory and transferable methods. In line with the project application, our objectives were to: - share and capitalise on innovative problem-solving practices involving citizens, by training 16 professionals and developing 8 to 12 method sheets; - integrate these practices and analyse their transferability through local testing on partner territories, supported by local committees involving additional local stakeholders and fostering territorial dynamics; - disseminate and promote the results through webinars, a symposium and a Citizen Solutions guide. Beyond the production of outputs, the project aimed to strengthen solidarity, active citizenship, autonomy and psychosocial skills, by supporting a shift in professional postures towards the adoption, adaptation and exploration of innovative practices more closely linked to the facilitation of collective projects, cooperation processes and inclusion.
We applied for the KA210 project “Citizen Solutions” in order to respond to the growing needs encountered by our organisations when supporting adults with fewer opportunities, including social isolation, precarious living conditions, disrupted life paths, psychological distress, difficulties in accessing rights, and the weakening of social ties. This context is accompanied by institutional fatigue and a loss of trust among beneficiaries, making the evolution of support practices increasingly urgent. The project was aligned with the Erasmus+ priorities of “inclusion and accessibility of adult education” and “upskilling of staff”, as well as with a broader approach to social innovation. Through European cooperation, we aimed to identify concrete problem-solving methods involving citizens and to strengthen a more horizontal “working with” approach, based on trust, shared responsibility and the recognition of the resources and capacities of the people supported.