Training new care workers and changing lives
Now, however, with help from EU funding, the Cyprus Paraplegic Organisation has designed a project that trains unemployed people to become home care workers for people with disabilities, and even reimburses them as they learn.
The project offers unemployed people the opportunity to take a certified foundation course, which fully qualifies them for a care role, followed by 25 hours of practical work experience, which can include home visits to individuals. To be eligible for the training, applicants need to show that they understand the scope of the role and are enthusiastic about becoming a home care worker or personal care assistant in the longer term.
Now, not only have dozens of people in Cyprus become qualified and employed in a new profession, but the people they support are enjoying an improved quality of life. The home care services created as a result of this project are enhancing accessibility for people with severe mobility issues and broadening opportunities for everyone.
Philippos Papamichael, who has tetraplegia, sums up the difference the project has made to his life. “I had not dreamed of such a service”, he says. “Now, I can breathe”.
Project name | Employment for the provision of home care services to paraplegic and tetraplegic persons |
Duration | 2018 – 2023 |
ESF contribution | € 2,000,000 |
Total budget | € 4,000,000.00 |
Participants | n/a |
Country | Cyprus |
Organisation | Cyprus Paraplegic Organization |
Website | http://opak.org.cy/ |
Social Media | https://www.facebook.com/opakcy/ |
Video | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihB0AJW4P-AZNeer02AxqQ |
Contact details | Demetris Lambrianides [email protected] +357 22 496494 |
Related links | 1.1. Strengthening employment and supporting mobility 1.1.1. Opening pathways for work 1.2. Better education 1.2.3. Training that works 1.3. Giving a chance for all Inclusive Approaches |