June 17 and 18, 2025 were two busy days in the cities of Kretinga and Palanga, as a work experience exchange visit of social work specialists from Saldus region took place there within the framework of the project “Hand in Hand”.
On the first day, social workers from Saldus region visited the Palanga Social Service Center, the Padvarias Social Care Center for People with Mental Disabilities, and a group home recently built with the support of the Lithuanian Ministry of Welfare. The group visited the Kretinga Youth Center renovated within the framework of this project, also getting acquainted with its activities.
The second day began with a visit to the partner organization – Kretinga Day Center. During the visit, the participants obtained information about the services and support system, got acquainted with the Kretinga Marijos Tiškevičiūtė School, where children with more severe mental and functional disabilities study and receive a wide range of services. During the work experience exchange, the participants got to know the work of a shelter and visited the Kretinga Social Services Center, which provides both home care, Day Centers for children and seniors, and accommodation in crisis situations.
The participants discussed a lot, compared the social service systems of Latvia and Lithuania: the social policies of Latvia and Lithuania have many similarities, but there are also significant differences. State social services are precisely regulated and to a large extent also financed. Such an important state setting – full-fledged provision of social services – a guarantee for the well-being of the entire society!
Thank you to the Lithuanian colleagues for your sincerity, for your willingness to share, for your brightness and enthusiasm! The participants met satisfied employees and clients, saw many examples of good practice to adopt, and saw opportunities for further cooperation.
Thank you to the project partners at the Day Centers and especially Birute Viskontiene for organizing and hosting!
