1st Two Stakeholder meetings held in Slovakia by Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region

As part of the project ELEVATE – Elevate multi-level governance for inclusive communities, two regional Stakeholder Meetings were organised in August 2025 in Prešov and Košice on 5th and 6th August. The events were prepared in close cooperation with the Methodological and Coordination Centre of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region (BBSK). It reflects the project’s emphasis on bringing together local authorities, associations of municipalities, civil society, and service providers in a structured dialogue and knowledge-sharing format.

The main objective of the meetings was the dissemination of good practice and awareness-raising about the model of integrated social and health care for dependent population groups (especially seniors), created by BBSK. Two particular examples of good practice were presented and discussed:

• Integrated Social and Health Care Centres (CISZS): These centres connect social and health services at the micro-regional level through interdisciplinary teams of social workers, nurses, and coordinators. Their purpose is to enable seniors and people with disabilities to stay in their home environment as long as possible, supported by tailored services such as counselling, health care assistance, SOS bracelets, and access to medical devices. Ten centres have already been established, serving more than 1,100 clients, and supported by over 30 professionals. The model also promotes inter-municipal cooperation and is guided by a Methodological and Coordination Centre ensuring quality and sustainability.

• Joint Social Services Community Planning (KPSS): At the micro-regional level, associations of municipalities jointly prepare social service community plans, identifying needs, mapping service gaps, and agreeing on common priorities. This collaborative planning helps small municipalities pool resources, coordinate mobile and shared services, and strengthen their capacity to apply for EU and national funding. The approach has improved access to social services in rural areas and has already been transferred to other Slovak regions and to the Czech Republic.

Stakeholder Meeting in Prešov

The meeting in Prešov brought together representatives of municipalities, social service providers, and civil society. Participants appreciated learning about integrated care models and collaborative planning practices, with many expressing interest in adopting similar approaches in their own territories.

Stakeholder Meeting in Košice

The second meeting was held on 5 August 2025 at the premises of the Košice Self-Governing Region. The programme included presentations of the good practices described above, followed by an open discussion. Particular attention was given to how integrated care and joint planning could be adapted to the conditions of Eastern Slovakia, including legislative, organisational, and financial aspects.

Outcomes and Added Value

Both Stakeholder Meetings contributed significantly to knowledge transfer, dissemination of good practice, and capacity-building at the regional level. They helped local actors better understand how integrated approaches to social and health care can strengthen resilience and inclusion. The positive feedback confirmed that ELEVATE serves as an important platform for supporting inclusive communities and fostering cooperation across different levels of governance.

Author: Eva Laidet