INO INCLUSSION

LL-00120

Innovative psychosocial and physical rehabilitation methods for vulnerable people stress overcome towards better social inclussion

Common territorial challenge (s) that will be tackled by the project

The project partners addressed the main Baltic Sea territorial challenges and the stress experienced by vulnerable people as a result of climate change, recognizing that these groups were the most affected and that the impacts contributed significantly to the public health burden. The effects of climate change on the marine environment were diverse in nature and affected the physical, mental, and social well-being of various ecological components, including humans. To achieve the overall strategic goal, all project partners organized sustainable activities and developed new services to broaden the public's educational background. They also created new services in coastal areas to support vulnerable people and raise awareness of climate change.

Project objective

To create the integrated psychosocial and physical rehabilitation measures dealing with climate-related challenges towards better social inclusion of vulnerable groups in LAT-LIT area.

Planned activities

The three project partners organized sustainable activities and created new services in coastal areas to reduce stress among vulnerable people and raise awareness. A new Forest Bathing therapy was integrated into the service lists of all partner organizations. VSIA "Piejūras slimnīca" developed and promoted a new speech and communication therapy service. Work Therapy was developed and integrated into the services of the Klaipėda St. Francis of Assisi Monastery. Halotherapy and Group Physiotherapy were introduced at the Palanga “Pušynas” Rehabilitation Branch of the PI Republican Hospital of Klaipėda. The dissemination of project results and the sharing of good practices within the programme area and beyond were ensured through partner networking. It was estimated that more than 3,000 patients of the partner institutions would benefit from the project results each year.

Project results

The three project partners organized sustainable activities and created new services in coastal areas to reduce stress among vulnerable people and raise public awareness of the links between climate change and health.
Forest Bathing Therapy methodology was developed in Lithuanian and Latvian and integrated into the service lists of all project partner organizations. The methodology was prepared in both languages. Two-day theoretical and practical training courses were organized for project partners, with a total of 15 participants trained. The Forest Bathing Therapy programme was piloted with 30 patients from the partner organizations.
Forest Bathing Therapy methodology in Lithuanian.
Forest Bathing Therapy methodology in Latvian.
Speech and Communication Therapy was developed and introduced by VSIA “Piejūras slimnīca”. Two therapy rooms were renovated and equipped: one for children with severe nervous system disorders and one for other hospital patients. The new therapy service was tested by 226 participants, including 86 children with severe nervous system disorders, 76 parents, and 64 other vulnerable hospital patients.
Halotherapy and Group Physiotherapy were developed and integrated into the services of the Palanga “Pušynas” Rehabilitation Branch of the PI Republican Hospital of Klaipėda. The new halotherapy service was tested by 474 patients, while 679 patients participated in group physiotherapy sessions. To improve accessibility, an elevator was installed and a wheelchair transfer lift was purchased, enabling the safe transportation of patients and reducing the risk of injury for both patients and caregivers.
Work Therapy was developed and integrated into the services of the Klaipėda St. Francis of Assisi Monastery. A work therapy infrastructure was established, including a phytotherapeutic garden, two service buildings, pathways and courtyards, fencing and gates, video surveillance, and more than 20 species of medicinal herbs. The project also provided essential equipment, including fruit and vegetable washing and cutting machines, herb, fruit and vegetable dryers, an essential oil extractor, a dried product shredder, electronic scales, a packaging bag sealing device, tables, and storage racks. Children, together with their parents, volunteers, and specialists, actively participated in cultivating herbs, fruits, and vegetables while developing practical work-related skills through Work Therapy activities. Individual occupational therapy needs were assessed for six participants with special needs, and tailored supervision was provided to ensure that activities were adapted to each participant’s abilities, needs, and personal development goals.
To strengthen knowledge about the relationship between climate change and health among populations living near the Baltic Sea, three cross-border and cross-sector round-table discussions were organized in Lithuania and Latvia. More than 60 healthcare professionals participated in these educational events.
All project results were presented during the final online scientific conference, which was attended by more than 100 participants, including rehabilitation professionals, patients, researchers, and health sciences students from Lithuania and Latvia. The presentations presented by all three project partners during the final conference are available below:
Project results presentation of VSIA “Piejūras slimnīca’’
Project results presentation of Palanga “Pušynas” Rehabilitation Branch of PI Republican Hospital of Klaipėda
Project results presentation of Klaipeda St. Francis of Assisi monastery of the St. Casimir province of the Order of Friars Minor
Twelve representatives of the project partner organizations participated in a five-day study visit to Italy, where they explored innovative approaches to stress management and rehabilitation and exchanged good practices with international experts.