Social Services provide crucial care and support to millions of people in Europe, helping older persons, persons with disabilities, children, people at risk of poverty, homeless persons, migrants, people suffering from domestic violence and many others to live better, healthier and more active lives. Social services are essential services.

COVID-19 has impacted the lives of people across Europe, no more than for the millions who use and provide social services every day. Social service providers have moved quickly to ensure they can maximise the care and support they provide, whilst also ensuring that those involved can do so in safe and healthy conditions. The use of technology has played a huge part in achieving that. Yet, COVID-19 has also meant that many forms of face-to-face support have not been provided, that many social workers have worked under significant pressure and that the financial stability of some service providers has been put at risk.

The European Union is now focusing its attention on recovery, discussing a trillion euro investment plan. The President of the European Commission - Ms Ursula van der Leyen - has referred to a debt of gratitude towards care workers.

Will this be translated into action? How will the European Union be supporting social services in the months and years to come? What actually do those involved in social services need from Europe?

Join us on the 25th June 2020 to discuss: "Social Services & COVID-19: what role for EU?"