INVOLVIM Project: Strengthening Integration Through Informal and Voluntary Service
The INVOLVIM (Informal and Voluntary Services for Work-Based Immigrants) project, funded by Interreg Europe, is a collaborative effort to enhance integration services for immigrants who often fall outside traditional support systems. With a budget of €998,889 and running from April 2024 to June 2028, the project brings together six partners from five European countries, led by the Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia.
Who Does INVOLVIM Support?
Many immigrants—such as employees, homemakers, and retirees—face challenges in accessing integration services tailored to their needs. INVOLVIM focuses on these often-overlooked groups, ensuring they receive support in areas like:
- Housing
- Education & language learning
- Hobbies & social activities
- Community engagement
By improving access to these services, the project aims to prevent social exclusion and foster long-term settlement and inclusion in local communities.
How Does INVOLVIM Work?
The project facilitates cross-border knowledge exchange, allowing partner regions to:
- Analyze existing integration services and identify gaps.
- Share best practices on supporting work-based immigrants.
- Develop policy recommendations to enhance local and regional integration strategies.
Key stakeholders—including employers, public authorities, and NGOs—are engaged to ensure services meet immigrants’ needs effectively.
Meet the Partners
INVOLVIM unites expertise from across Europe:
- Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia (Finland, Lead Partner)
- Municipality of Fundão & Centro Regional Coordination and Development Commission (Portugal)
- City of Plock (Poland)
- Municipality of Litija & Education Centre Geoss (Slovenia)
- Louth County Council (Ireland)
Through collaboration, these regions develop innovative solutions to improve immigrant integration, making communities more inclusive and cohesive.
Shaping the Future of Immigrant Integration
The INVOLVIM project marks a significant step forward in developing more effective, inclusive integration services across Europe. By focusing on work-based immigrants who often fall outside traditional support systems, we are addressing critical gaps in housing, education, language learning, and social inclusion.
Through international cooperation and knowledge-sharing, South Ostrobothnia and its European partners will strengthen policies, improve services, and foster stronger community ties. The lessons learned and best practices developed through INVOLVIM will contribute to long-term, sustainable integration—benefiting not only immigrants but the entire region.
Learn more: https://www.interregeurope.eu/involvim
