“I want to work. But I need to be able to do it in a way that works for me.” This is one of the clearest messages that emerges when we listen to people with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) who are currently outside the labour market or trying to find their way back into employment. Through
Valmiera Development Agency, the Samaritan Association of Latvia and Coompanion Östergötland (Sweden) have joined forces to implement the Stronger Together project, aiming to create a more inclusive labour market by supporting the employment of people with intellectual disabilities or other special needs. To help employers find practical answers to questions about preparing the workplace and
In August, Sandijs, a resident of our “Vanags” group apartment in Valmiera, celebrated his 44th birthday. “Vanags” has been his home for the past seven years, since we opened the group apartment, which gives people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to live as independently as possible. It supports them in developing self-care skills and learning
Work Journey within the “Stronger Together” Project Read More »
Across Europe, including Latvia and Sweden, the question of how to address labour shortages while fostering a more inclusive work environment is becoming increasingly important. Within the Stronger Together project, an approach called “Employee as a Service” is being developed, offering a structured and practical solution for companies willing to engage people with intellectual and
Employee as a Service: A Practical Path to Inclusive Employment in Companies Read More »
When the Right Meeting Changes Everything – How Stronger Together Reaches Its Target Group Creating pathways into the labour market for individuals with NPF (neuropsychiatric disabilities) does not happen overnight. It requires patience, understanding—and sometimes a decisive encounter with the right person. For Pelle and Jonas, who work within the Stronger Together project, such a
Dainis is 44 years old and lives in a group apartment at the Social Services Centre “Vanags” in Valmiera, operated by the Samaritan Association of Latvia. This group apartment is not just a place to live – it is an opportunity. An opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to live as independently as possible, to
Experience Story – Work Integration from an Employee’s Perspective Read More »
“I have been employing people with disabilities for 6 years,” co-owner of the family business “Zaļkalni” Andris Belousovs begins the story of his experience. In recent years, we have often heard about young families who move from urban life to the countryside, renovate family property or simply find a place for a more peaceful everyday
Employment in Rural Latvia: A Practical Experience Read More »
Every journey of change begins with a moment of insight – a simple sentence that can transform a person’s life.For Mattias Persson, those words were: “You are good enough.” Diagnosed with ADHD and struggling with addiction, Mattias spent many years feeling excluded, isolated, and lacking confidence. His upbringing in Malmö was marked by instability; a
Stronger Together – From Barriers to Breakthroughs Read More »
From 11 to 13 November, entrepreneurs from the Vidzeme region went on a study visit to Sweden to learn about inclusive workplace solutions and social entrepreneurship practices first-hand. The visit took place within the Interreg project “Stronger Together”, which aims to support employers in building a more inclusive, people-centred and sustainable work environment step by
On September 26, 29, and 30, the second training session within the Stronger Together project took place at the Skäggetorp Center in Linköping, Sweden. The aim was to help people with special needs develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to prepare for employment or further education. Using a project-based learning method, the training combined
