2010 International Social Innovation Research ConferencePartnerships, Hybrids and Networks

Cliff Kaltoft, National Association of Join-in Centres (NAJIC)

Steen Svendsen, Søren Steen Olsen, Public Futures

Danish join-in centres and the small-steps method in social work:A case in social innovation

Wicked problems Complex, intertwined problems:

Stress, social isolation, drugs, new family patterns, new transitions, immigrants’ position in society, ageing society, living with chronic diseases, climate change, environment, resource problems

Policy making”the process by which governments translate their political vision into programmes and actions to deliver ”outcomes” – desired changes in the real world” Strategy Unit, Cabinet Office, UK

Context: Denmark– some characteristics as seen from, say, the UK

Relatively: • Small country• Extensive welfare state• Decentralised government• Strong history of social innovation• Well-established ”arm’s length” practices

– including ”hybrid” traditions, from agriculture to labour market, to vibrant civil society

Social innovation – an important approach to policy making

”New ideas that work at creating social value”

Spurred by: New social needs emerging

Existing models and approaches becoming inadequate

New opportunities arising –technology, associations, ideas, links, partnerships (hybrids)Join-in centres: A case in point!

What is a join-in centre?

A join-in centre is a refuge, a haven from life on the streets and the demands of caseworkers and the authorities

• Not a soup kitchen• Not treatment• Provides new opportunities for the individual

The four functional areas of the join-in centre

• Social space and training room• Covers basic needs• Contact point and bridge with a low threshold• A greenhouse

The small steps method

• Is more a principle than an actual method

Is a revolt against :

• Case-working system’s management-by-regulation• Resignation and indifference• Victim mentality• The myth of the right answer• Silo-thinking on social issues

National Association of Join-In Centres

(NAJIC)

• Established 1998• ”the Hope” 2002• The Join-In Centre Concept 2005• Tour de Vulnerable ’05 bicycle stage race• Danish Join-In Centre Sports Est. 2006• From Vulnerable to Valued 2009• Social Inclusion Games 2009• The small steps method 2009

• Currently 104 join-in centres with 14.000 socially diasadvantaged people

Approaches in social work

Case: Sport as an instrument in social work

• Desire for change• Sports for all - every week• Sport with no barriers, no excuses

Danish Join-In Centre Sports has since 2006

gathered 100 sports clubs from

join-in centres and treatment centres

45 of these clubs took part in the 2010

Social Inclusion Games in Twente, Holland

Movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ji4wCvoQ4

Surveys

SUSY-Udsat 2007National survey of sickness and health of 1290 socially marginalised

people conducted at join-in centres

’Sport as an instrument in social work’ documents effects of organized sports activities. Measurable effects in four areas:

• Joie de vivre• Physiological affects• Personal relations• Desire for change

Effects of The small steps method

For ten years the join-in centres have focused

on change and ressources

The small steps have proved to be a giant step in social work

in terms of motivating users

Sport is just one offer within the join-in centres

and the effects of sports are also the effects

of the small steps method

wish you a great time working with

The small steps method