SOCIAL
INNOVATION LABS
(2025 - 2026)
In this edition of the Social Innovation Lab, two social innovations are being transferred across the European Network.
On the one hand, the Vives Emplea Saludable methodology developed by Action Against Hunger (Spain) is being shared. It is a free programme that accompanies people in their job search through a team-based approach, personalised guidance and the promotion of healthy habits to improve wellbeing and employment opportunities.
On the other hand, the transferring entity Social Innovation Sports Hub (Portugal) contributes a sport-based social innovation methodology that creates inclusive spaces for participation and social connection.
Calls for responses to the first challenge (2025-2026)
- Call for the identification and transfer of social innovation in the combined field of health and employment - CLOSED
- Replicado en España de una innovación social de otro país europeo - CLOSED
- Call for the replication of a Spanish social innovation in the combined field of health and employment in another European country - CLOSED
- Selected entities' information: Transferring and replicating entities (AVAILABLE SOON)
Integrating the Health Approach in Sociolabour Inclusion Pathways: A Determinant for Successful Inclusion?
This was the guiding question of the first phase of this cycle. Between May and June 2025, a series of listening sessions with more than 100 members highlighted the importance of open dialogue to analyse shared challenges, identify the key issue to be addressed and explore potential innovations. These exchanges made clear that health plays a decisive role in employability and successful social and labour inclusion.
SPANISH SOCIAL INNOVATION TRANSFERRED TO EUROPE
VIVES EMPLEA SALUDABLE
The transferring entity is Acción contra el Hambre (ACH), a Spanish non-profit organization that will transfer its social innovation from the Vives Emplea Saludable (VES) programme – an employment shuttle with a health-oriented approach.
SOCIAL INNOVATION infosheeT: Vives Emplea Saludable
In this project cycle there are two replicating entities:
- Social Cooperative Lazzarelle based in Naples (Italy)
- International Professionals Finland (Pori, Finland)
These 2 European entities will develop a pilot to experiment the incorporation of the VES model in their programmes.
The social innovation to be scaled in this project cycle is the innovation provided by the Vives Emplea Saludable model, which can be defined as the integration of healthy habits and the promotion of self-care as a central pillar key determinant within an employability programme, placing strong emphasis on well-being and personal development.
Pilot projects in progress:
- Lazzarelle: Lazzacare
- InterProFinland: InterProAKTIV
EUROPEAN SOCIAL INNOVATION TRANSFERRED TO SPAIN
SOCIAL INNOVATION SPORTS
The transferring entity is Social Innovation Sports (SIS), a Portuguese non-profit organization that creates spaces for interaction, socialization, and the removal of psychosocial barriers for people in situations of high vulnerability and for companies through team-based sports activities.
sOCIAL INNOVATION infosheeT: SIS
In this project cycle there are three replicating entities:
These three Spanish entities will develop a pilot to experiment the incorporation of the SIS model in their programmes.
Currently in progress.
