2nd ELEVATE PROJECT PARTNER MEETING IN SLOVAKIA

Project partners of the ELEVATE project gathered on 21–22 October 2025 in Banská Bystrica - Slovakia, for the 2nd partners’ meeting, hosted by the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region (BBSK). The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration, share good practices among project partners and advance the development of inclusive territorial governance models across the Danube Region.

Mr. Ján Michalský from the Department of Social Affairs and Social Policies of BBSK warmly welcomed all participants. Ms. Anita Molka, representing the Lead Partner, Development Centre of the Heart of Slovenia (DCHS), provided an overview of the two-day programme and highlighted its objectives.

The meeting opened with a lecture by Ms. Carmen Stadelhofer from ILEU, on “Aging Has Many Faces.” She discussed the diversity of aging processes, life situations and social contexts, emphasizing the role of education, new media, volunteering and networking structures in promoting active aging. She also highlighted how community cooperation between civil society, private sector and individuals can create age-friendly environments that foster social participation.

In the morning session, horizontal partners Urbasofia, ISG Amabilis, and ZICER shared examples to enhance partners’ knowledge and cooperation for inclusive territorial development. Ms. Irina Panait underlined the importance of strong financial management. Ms. Damjana Pangerčič presented Kind Life from Slovenia, which supports mental health and social inclusion of older adults and people with dementia through education, intergenerational activities, and digital campaigns, funded by sponsorships and donations. Ms. Nora Krstić introduced Accessible Zagreb, a digital platform improving urban accessibility and planning through co-creation and cross-sector collaboration, serving as a model for other cities.

Later in the morning, all 12 pilot partners showcased how good practices from other project partners inspired their pilot idea. This session, moderated by Mr. Milan Zbořil, focused on regional and local needs, mutual learning and strengthening institutional cooperation.

Ms. Anamarija Fortuna from DCHS led a brainstorming session to set goals for 2026–2028 mainstreaming activities. Partners will promote the ELEVATE model through various events and two International Forums, fostering inclusive co-creation under the motto “Nothing about us without us.”

The afternoon sessions included a training and capacity-building workshop on inclusive territorial development, moderated by Ms. Irina Panait from Urbasofia. Mr. Milan Zbořil presented the good practice of participatory planning of social services at the micro-regional level. Following partners activity in a workshop on financial model development, focusing on stakeholder mapping and designing robust financial mechanisms for sustainable initiatives. The meeting concluded with a Steering Committee.

The second day was dedicated to study visit. Partners visited the city of Kremnica, which offered valuable insights into how local communities in Banska Bystrica Region address demographic challenges and improve the quality of life for their residents. The visit began at the Kremnica Municipal Office, where partners were welcomed by Mr. Pavel Kravec, Mayor of Trnava Hora. He presented the Kremnica Microregion (around 10,000 residents) and its main challenges—ageing population, youth migration, and support for vulnerable groups. He noted that Kremnica is among the first in the region to address these issues innovatively.

A key part of the visit was the Centre of Integrated Social and Health Care (CISZS), launched in April 2024 to improve long-term care for older adults in the Banská Bystrica Region. As a pilot model, it integrates social and health services under one structure to ensure accessible, high-quality care that helps seniors and vulnerable groups stay independent. The CISZS team provides health monitoring, medication management, social support, and transport assistance. Currently active in the region, the model is being promoted for national rollout. Partners were also welcomed by Mr. Martin Novodomec, Mayor of Kremnica, who presented the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

After the presentations, partners visited the Radmera Centre, where its director guided through its four facilities and shared their progress despite early funding challenges. Founded in 2018 with the purchase of a family home, the centre grew through successive funding, including a 3 million EUR grant in 2021, enabling reconstruction and expansion. It now offers daily activities for older adults and people with disabilities and accommodation for 123 clients.

The CISZS initiative operates on strong values of human rights, dignity, and personal development. It empowers clients to build confidence, explore talents, and foster social inclusion, showing how integrated care can transform communities and support ageing and vulnerable groups.

The ELEVATE project promotes collaboration across public, civil, and private sectors to build inclusive governance in the Danube Region, engaging older adults and people with disabilities. The two-day meeting reinforced goals of inclusive territorial development, mutual learning, and strengthening cooperation to improve pilot ideas and create a scalable ELEVATE model.

Author: Jasna Presečki