A training session for staff and volunteers was held at the Red Cross of Niš as part of the project “Strengthening Access to Health Care, Participation, and Social Equity in the Western Balkans (SHAPE).” The goal of the project is to mitigate the socio-economic consequences of crises and social exclusion. Through this project, access to health care, social services, and economic participation will be improved, while also promoting healthy ageing and the importance of mental health protection.

The training was conducted by Red Cross of Serbia professionals Nataša Todorović and Milutin Vračević. It was delivered in an interactive format: following the presentation of the project and findings from the research conducted by SeConS, participants worked together with the trainers to design home care services, services within Day Activity Centres, and support for informal caregivers—who form the backbone of the long-term care system in Serbia. This participatory approach ensures that services are adapted to the local context—tailored both to the needs of older people and the capacities of the local community.

The SHAPE project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Health, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Republic of Austria and the Austrian Red Cross. It focuses on improving health care, social equity, and community participation, with a particular emphasis on supporting older people. The aim is to respond to the socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable groups, especially older people, in the Western Balkans region.