Nicosia, Cyprus. Deputy Welfare Minister Clea Papaellina said on Friday that the Neighbourhood Social Worker programme has proved its value since its launch in April 2023, while adding that further improvements can still be made. She made the remarks at a conference reviewing the institution.
Islandwide expansion
Papaellina said the programme has moved from a pilot stage to islandwide implementation and has contributed to prevention, early intervention and the promotion of social cohesion by remaining close to those in need.
She said the initiative forms part of the project to restructure social welfare services and is being implemented within the framework of the EU’s Thalia 2021-2027 cohesion policy programme.
Development of the programme
The programme began with a small number of municipalities and remote communities and was expanded in December 2024 to cover the whole island.
“Today, the programme is implemented by 34 neighbourhood social workers and 11 supervision officers,” Papaellina said.
She said there are six workers in Nicosia, 12 in Limassol, eight in Larnaca and four each in Famagusta and Paphos.
Role in communities
Papaellina said the implementation of the programme confirmed that when social services are present in communities, they can respond more directly and effectively to people’s immediate needs.
“Modern social challenges call on us to invest in services that are accessible, flexible and people-centred, to invest in policies that do not wait for the individuals to seek help, but ensure that they themselves are by their side, within the community where they lives and are active,” she said.
Conference purpose
Papaellina said Friday’s conference provided a platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas aimed at improving and further developing the programme.