Summary:
Solidarity is a key societal value linked to humanity.
The Lisbon City Council promotes social policies for essential services.
The Local Social State initiative aims to complement gaps in Central State services.
Significant improvements in health services and social support have been made.
Future plans focus on a strategic vision centered around people and community.
The Importance of Solidarity
Solidarity is a deeply important value in society, intrinsically linked to the essence of being human. It is anticipated that the transition from ideas to practical actions would be more frequent and effective, particularly by institutions that, due to their collective nature, should be able to implement these actions competently.
Challenges in Community Support
However, various reasons can hinder this, including the scale of community challenges, evolving collective needs, and insufficient resources to robustly address deserving issues.
A New Approach in Lisbon
In Lisbon, we might have found the right scale for municipal solidarity actions applied to social and health services: the scale of the City and its neighborhoods. The Lisbon City Council plays a crucial role in promoting social policies that ensure residents have access to essential services like health, education, and social assistance.
Local Social State Initiative
This new path aligns with what the Mayor of Lisbon, Eng. Carlos Moedas, refers to as the “Local Social State,” which aims to fill the gaps left by the Central State, especially in health areas. The council can thus offer effective solutions where public services have failed, providing immediate and accessible responses to the population's needs.
Commitment to Social Services
Eng. Carlos Moedas has shown significant commitment and trust in the Social Services of the Lisbon City Council, especially regarding social protection and health for municipal workers and their families, supporting their mission for the benefit of the City.
The Social Services of the Lisbon City Council is a non-profit private association established by municipal workers, with a clear mission: to ensure all municipal workers have access to social and medical support, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to serve the people of Lisbon and visitors better.
Continuous Improvement of Services
In recent years, these services have made significant efforts to improve and expand their offerings, driven by constant dialogue with members and the city, adapting to emerging needs. Noteworthy initiatives include the expansion of health services with new medical specialties and social support units, particularly essential due to various crises exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing Public Health
Additionally, the Social Services’ contributions to the Local Social State have involved public health initiatives, including community screenings and participation in the Lisbon Health 65+ Plan. This collaboration aims at early disease detection and promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing health inequalities and improving the quality of life for Lisbon residents.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, the future of the Social Services of the Lisbon City Council relies on a strategic vision that centers around people, necessitating continuous investment in staff, infrastructure improvements, and service diversification.
The Social Services of the Lisbon City Council are committed to being a benchmark of excellence in supporting municipal workers and promoting the well-being of the city's residents, striving for a more inclusive, healthy, and supportive Lisbon.
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