The SIRENE project, funded by the European Union and coordinated by SHINE 2Europe, is excelling in driving social innovation and healthy, inclusive communities. After almost a year and a half of work, SIRENE has achieved significant milestones in promoting Smart and Healthy Environments for all ages (SHAFE) in Europe.
On 23 and 24 April, the project consortium met in Bilbao and San Sebastián for the third transnational meeting of the SIRENE project, a pioneering project whose main objective is to foster social innovation in sustainable and environmentally friendly community services, with the aim of improving people’s quality of life. To this end, the work began with an event for Euskadi Stakeholders, an efficient and proactive group of regional actors who are making great progress towards more inclusive and age-friendly environments. In the afternoon, the partners visited a new independent residence for older people at the Matia Institute, with the aim of understanding how community interactions are promoted in this innovative model.
Since its launch, SIRENE has developed a repository of Good Practices and finalised the Social Innovation Framework, which is currently open for consultation and suggestions across Europe. In addition, the project has involved 52 experts from 30 countries – the EU and Norway, Georgia and Serbia – in a collaboration that covers a range of areas, from public policy to information technology.
One of SIRENE’s major achievements has been the launch of an expert platform, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and collaboration between those involved in social innovation. In addition, the project is developing a set of tools for social innovators and a sustainability strategy to guarantee the continuity of the initiatives beyond the duration of the project.
SIRENE is also actively collaborating with seven other initiatives, such as NET4Age-Friendly, INTEGER, Digital Health Uptake, Age-friendly City VET Toolkit and the SHAFE Foundation, thus extending its impact and influence on the European social innovation landscape.
The SIRENE project hopes to continue expanding its positive impact on European communities and therefore invites everyone interested in contributing to the future of a smart, healthy and age-friendly lifestyle to take part in this journey of innovation and inclusion. For more information on the project and how to get involved, please visit the SIRENE website or contact info@sireneproject.eu.
SIRENE is planning an international closing event in Brussels from 1-3 October 2024. More details about the event will be released shortly.