Chernivtsi, 10 December 2024 – The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Social Synergy NGO, hosted an all-Ukrainian educational and practical conference entitled “Supported Living as a Path to Integration: Experience, Challenges, and Development Perspectives in Ukraine.”

The conference was an important platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and developing strategic priorities for state policy in the area of supported living in Ukraine. The event brought together key stakeholders – including representatives of government bodies, international partners, non-governmental organizations, and experts – to lay a solid foundation for the development of services to support people with intellectual, mental and physical disabilities.

Conference participants presented the results of research on the needs of future beneficiaries of supported living services in Chernivtsi and Chernihiv oblasts. Models of supported living, including houses and apartments as alternatives to institutional care facilities, were discussed, and proposals were developed to improve how they are financed at community level. Special attention was given to social adaptation issues and the integration of people with disabilities into communities, as well as to the exchange of experiences between regions regarding the implementation of innovative supported living models.

Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine, underlined the pressing need to develop social services for older adults and people with disabilities. “The supported living social service is a modern approach that allows older adults and people with disabilities to live with dignity and independence in their cities and communities. The state budget for next year includes funding for supported living and care in small-scale homes where these individuals can reside. Therefore, cooperation with organizations willing to provide and expand this service is extremely important for us. Together with our international partners, we can build an effective support system that will serve as the foundation for social integration and the protection of the rights of those who need it most,” said Ms. Zholnovych.

Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Section for Public Finance, Business Support, and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, highlighted the critical role of social projects designed to enhance living conditions and foster community well-being. “The European Union supports efforts to create an inclusive environment and improve the quality of social services, in particular for children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Our joint work is focused on driving long-term, sustainable change in order to improve the social care for those in need and ensure access to key services for all,” Mr. Huitfeldt stated.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the critical importance of enhancing community capacities to address social challenges effectively. “Supported living opens new horizons for the social adaptation and integration of people with disabilities and older adults. With our partners, we are striving to create conditions in which communities are empowered to provide innovative, inclusive, and sustainable models of social services, ensuring that no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Mr. Cilliers noted.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a Resolution, which contained practical recommendations for governments, communities, and international partners to implement modern approaches to supported living.

Background

Supported living is a comprehensive approach to ensuring comfortable and secure life for older adults and people with disabilities. It includes providing a place to live, supporting the development of independent living skills, organizing medical care, assisting with household management, and creating conditions for everyday activities. Additionally, the service is intended to represent the interests of service users, assist them to interact with social services and obtain legal support, and facilitate their inclusion in active community life.

The initiative was implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Social Synergy NGO, under the flagship “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” partnership between UNDP and the EU. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org