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EU funds project for long-term unemployed people with multiple problems: SAM Plus inklusiv provides valuable low-threshold help - ESF working group visits Caritas Ludwigsburg-Waiblingen-Enz to see the work for themselves

Health and/or mental health problems, excessive debt, being the sole carer for children, not being able to navigate the bureaucratic jungle, difficult relationships: The challenges faced by participants in the SAM Plus inclusive project run by Caritas Ludwigsburg-Waiblingen-Enz are often complex and varied. Through dedicated, outreach social work, the project, which is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) Plus, helps to reduce placement barriers in the long term and prepares people for (re-)entering the job market at a low threshold. The regional ESF working group, which selected SAM Plus inclusive for funding for two years, was able to see the valuable work for itself during an on-site visit.

A group of eight diverse individuals, including men and women, are seated around a conference table. They are engaged in a meeting, with documents and a tablet visible. Behind them is a presentation screen and a banner with the logo of Caritas.

The picture shows from the left at the project presentation: Petra Tolksdorf (Caritas), Cynthia Schönau (ESF working group), Giulia Krüger (Caritas, seated), Dr. Monika Miller (Caritas), Heiner Pfrommer (Head of Social Affairs, Chairman of the ESF working group), Thomas Kreuz (ESF working group advisory office), Stephanie Mayer (ESF office), Birgit Seiberling (ESF working group advisory office) and Roland Hornung (ESF working group).

Head of Social Affairs Pfrommer: "This is where EU funds have a direct and local impact"

"I am delighted that the regional ESF Plus funds are being used so sensibly and sustainably at SAM Plus inklusiv. Here, European Union funds are having a direct and local impact for citizens," concluded Heiner Pfrommer, Head of Social Affairs for the Ludwigsburg district and also Chairman of the regional ESF working group. Thomas Kreuz from the ESF advice center at the Landkreistag emphasized the special feature that Giulia Krüger, responsible for project implementation, visits clients at home. This makes it easier to build trust and provides access to men and women who are unable to actively seek help themselves due to the complexity of their problems.

A holistic approach is taken to improve the situation of the participants

Together with Monika Miller and Petra Tolksdorf (both from Caritas Ludwigsburg-Waiblingen-Enz, Head of Social Assistance and Head of Livelihood Security and Integration respectively), Krüger explained to members of the regional ESF working group how the project works, which is designed as a low-threshold outreach service to help reduce factors that hinder employment and improve employability. A vivid case study was used to illustrate the complexity of the challenges faced by the project participants. Problems exist in areas such as health, finances, contact with authorities, education, daily structure and social relationships. Krüger takes a holistic approach to improving the situation of men and women, including accompanying them to appointments and helping them prepare for them, establishing contacts and informing clients about their rights, obligations and options. Head of Social Affairs Pfrommer concluded the visit by thanking the employees for their commitment, patience and creativity.

Regional ESF Plus funded further projects in the Ludwigsburg district in 2023

Other projects funded by the regional ESF Plus in the district of Ludwigsburg in 2023 are AVDual (support for young people at vocational schools with the aim of finding an apprenticeship), Level 3 (low-threshold offer to develop new career prospects) and Oktopus (project to prevent school drop-outs and school failure).

The ESF office at the Ludwigsburg District Office (Stephanie Mayer, phone 07141 144-42052, e-mail: stephanie.mayer[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de) will be happy to answer any questions about ESF Plus in the Ludwigsburg district and the funded projects. For further information on the SAM Plus inclusive project, interested parties can contact Caritas Ludwigsburg-Waiblingen-Enz at krueger.g[at]caritas-ludwigsburg-waiblingen-enz.de.

ESF Plus is the EU's most important financing and funding instrument for investing in people

The ESF Plus is an important labor market policy instrument of the European Union (EU) for promoting employment in Europe. Since the European Economic Community was founded in 1957, it has been improving employment opportunities, supporting people through training and qualifications, helping to reduce disadvantages in the labor market and combating poverty and social exclusion. It is the EU's most important financing and funding instrument for investing in people. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration is supported in its regional funding by the regional ESF working groups, which are based in the city and district authorities and have their own funding contingent.

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