A training for staff and volunteers was held at the Red Cross of Zaječar within the framework of the project “Strengthening Access to Health Care, Participation, and Social Equity in the Western Balkans (SHAPE).” The training was led by expert associates of the Red Cross of Serbia, Natasa Todorovic and Milutin Vracevic, and followed an interactive and participatory methodology. After the project presentation and the findings of the research conducted by SeConS, participants worked together with the trainers to design models of home care services, activities in Day Activity Centres, and forms of support for informal caregivers—who represent the backbone of the long-term care system in Serbia.

During the discussion, it was emphasized that older people in rural areas are often left to cope on their own—without access to transport, shops, doctors, or basic social services. In reality, these individuals live in what can be described as modern-day deserts. Therefore, the proposals focused especially on the development of accessible, sustainable, and locally adapted services for older people living in villages, as well as support for their caregivers, who often have no institutional assistance. After the training, a brief welcome meeting was held for the Scouts from Lyon, France, who were visiting the Red Cross of Zaječar.

The SHAPE project aims to mitigate the socio-economic consequences of crises and increase the inclusion of vulnerable groups, especially older persons, within the health and social care systems. The project contributes to improved access to healthcare, social services, and economic participation, while also promoting healthy ageing and the importance of mental health protection.

SHAPE is funded by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of the Republic of Austria and the Austrian Red Cross.