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Factsheet for measure LV-2022-18/3254 – measures in Latvia

Support from a social mentor to help Ukrainian refugees

Sociālā mentora atbalsts ikdienas situāciju risināšanā

Country Latvia , applies nationwide
Time period Temporary, 28 April 2022 – 31 December 2023
Context War in Ukraine
Type Other initiatives or policies
Category Measures to prevent social hardship
– Other humanitarian measures
Author Kriss Karnitis (EPC) and Eurofound
Measure added 03 July 2023 (updated 06 July 2023)

Background information

In order to provide support to Ukrainian citizens who have arrived in Latvia as a result of the war as quickly as possible, the Society Integration Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Welfare has established a support service - social mentor service for Ukrainian citizens. The social mentoring service for Ukrainian residents is available throughout the territory of Latvia and is implemented in cooperation with 43 municipal social services. The social mentor service itself will be provided by the Family and Foster Family Support Society "DOMUS", the foundation "Caritas Latvija", the society "Shelter "Safe House"", the society "Gaišo domu Platforma", the Training Centre "FIBRA", the foundation "Ventspils Augsto tehnoloģiju parks" and the society "Vidusdaugavas NVO centrs".

Content of measure

The Social Mentoring Service is available to Ukrainian citizens for 60 days and will provide practical assistance in dealing with a variety of everyday issues. The mentor will help in real-life situations to learn the skills necessary for everyday life, as well as providing support in arranging various formalities, such as accommodation, clothing, work opportunities or getting to the place of assistance. To receive a social mentor, Ukrainians must apply to their local social services. Social workers from the social services will assess the individual case of each client, and if necessary, will assign mentor. The social mentor service itself will be provided by the Family and Foster Family Support Society "DOMUS", the foundation "Caritas Latvija", the society "Shelter "Safe House"", the society "Gaišo domu Platforma", the Training Centre "FIBRA", the foundation "Ventspils Augsto tehnoloģiju parks" and the society "Vidusdaugavas NVO centrs".

Use of measure

Since the programme's launch in April 2022 until mid-June 2023, 1,853 Ukrainian civilians in Latvia have received support from a social mentor.

Target groups

Workers Businesses Citizens
Does not apply to workers Does not apply to businesses Migrants or refugees

Actors and funding

Actors Funding
National government
Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)
Local / regional government
European Funds
National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

Trade unions Employers' organisations
Role No involvement as case not in social partner domain No involvement as case not in social partner domain
Form Not applicable Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

  • No involvement
  • Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No involvement.

Views and reactions

No views to report.

Sources

  • 26 October 2022: Support from a social mentor to help you deal with everyday situations (www.sif.gov.lv)
  • 03 June 2023: Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians (valid from 3 June 2023 (likumi.lv)

Citation

Eurofound (2023), Support from a social mentor to help Ukrainian refugees, measure LV-2022-18/3254 (measures in Latvia), EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, https://static.eurofound.europa.eu/covid19db/cases/LV-2022-18_3254.html

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Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process.