On December 2, 2020, the Local Stakeholders Workshop under the D-CARE project - Developing, piloting and validating smart care models in Danube region for supporting social innovation, improving competences and entrepreneurship" was held. The workshop includes 21 participants, representatives of project partners - RAPIV, NASO, Aksakovo Municipality, public authorities - Varna Municipality (Department of Social Services), Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, Agency for Social Assistance, Industries - ICT Cluster Varna, Universities - Varna Free University, Medical University - Varna, Citizens (NGOs) - Providers of social services – Centers for elderly care in Nikopol and Kyustendil, Centre for social support in Gulyantsi , Complex for social development in Targovishte.

The meeting was opened by Ralitsa Zhekova PhD, Executive Director of RAPIV, who presented to the participants the activities of the Association and basic information about the D-CARE project, followed by Mr. Georgi Georgiev, a representative of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility. (NASO).

Mr. Georgiev presented the activities of NASO, representatives of the Department of Social Services for Adults in the Social Assistance Agency, the Department of Social Services of the Municipality of Varna and experts from NASO working on a project and on topics for the elderly.

Mrs. Nelly Petrova, a representative of the Municipality of Aksakovo, shared with the participants a desire of the Municipality of Aksakovo to continue diversification and introduction of more and more new services for citizens. Finally, Ms. Petrova expressed her conviction that the cooperation would be useful for all and would receive information and ideas for new services and that they would better support the citizens and successfully develop their activities.

Prof. Todorka Kostadinova, a representative of the Medical University - Varna, introduced to the participants activities of MU - Varna in the field of smart care.

Ms. Maria Zlateva, part of the RAPIV team, presented in detail to the participants the D-CARE project, the 3 main pillars of action under the project, work packages, etc.

Mrs. Svoboda Todorova, NASO, provided more detailed information on what is expected from stakeholders and decisions will be made based on their expert assessment and expert advice on the topic of the current project.

Ralitsa Zhekova PhD presented the developed questionnaire, which was sent in advance to interested parties for completion.

The workshop continues with a discussion focused on "smart care and health".

Mrs. Zhaneta Georgieva from NASO supported the discussion. Participants were invited to answer questions divided into five themes: Theme 1 - Smart Care and Health, Theme 2 - Ecosystems, Theme 3 - Innovation, Theme 4 - Training and Theme 5 - COVID and Health.

Through the discussion, the main conclusions necessary for further activities for the implementation of the project were made.

For up-to-date information on the D-CARE project, follow our website, our Facebook page, the project website or subscribe for the project newsletter.