SOLIS project of ASB and IDC presented in Pirot: New support for families and stronger social services in Serbia
Improving social protection systems and creating stronger support for persons with disabilities and their families remains one of the key priorities of sustainable community development. The SOLIS project – “Sustainable Social Protection: Support to Social Services in Local Communities in Serbia” – was officially presented in Pirot as a new initiative aimed at strengthening social services and improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families in several municipalities across Serbia. The project is implemented by ASB South East Europe and IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Over the next 35 months, SOLIS will focus on improving local social protection mechanisms, developing sustainable community-based services, and strengthening cooperation between institutions, local governments, and civil society organizations. One of the most significant activities within the project will be the establishment of a “Respite Care” facility in Temska, near Pirot. This service will provide temporary accommodation and professional support for children with developmental disabilities and their families, offering parents and caregivers much-needed assistance and relief in everyday life. The facility will represent an important new form of support within the local social protection system and will contribute to improving the wellbeing of both children and their families. In addition to developing new services, the SOLIS project will also work on strengthening local capacities and improving cooperation among relevant stakeholders in order to ensure long-term, sustainable support for vulnerable groups. Through joint efforts and coordinated action, the project aims to create more inclusive communities where persons with disabilities and their families have better access to rights, services, and opportunities. The presentation in Pirot gathered representatives of institutions, organizations, and local authorities, highlighting the importance of partnership and shared responsibility in building stronger and more accessible social services. SOLIS represents another important example of how cooperation between local communities, civil society organizations, and international partners can lead to concrete and meaningful changes for people who need support the most. The launch of the SOLIS project marks an important step toward creating services that directly respond to the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities and their families. By investing in community-based support, professional care, and stronger local cooperation, the project aims to provide practical and long-term solutions that will improve quality of life and strengthen social inclusion in local communities across Serbia.