Animal therapy for strengthening of social environment of Latvian-Lithuanian border communities
| Approximate total Project budget in EUR: | 214 677.00 |
| ERDF co-financing in EUR: | 182 475.45 |
| Project Duration: | 11/2010 - 12/2011 |
| Priority: | Attractive Living Environment and Development of Sustainable Community |
| Direction: | 3. Development of Active and Sustainable Communities(Small Project Facility) |
| Application Call: | 3 |
Summary Description of the Project:
The main aim of the project is to improve social environment by introduction of unique triple benefit rehabilitation method 'animal-assisted' therapy in 16 Latvia-Lithuania border communities.
Background of the problem and necessity for cross-border approach is set in the strategy of Euroregion "Country of lakes" 2008-2013. One of the problematic fields in border communities is weak social environment, especially in relation to families having children/ youngsters with special needs and social risk families.There are not enough developed and adapted social infrastructure and accessibility possibilities, as well as insufficient understanding and use of different social rehabilitation methods both by specialists and parents. One of them 'animal-assisted' therapy (AAT) is unequalled rehabilitation method.
During the project:
1.'Animal-assisted' therapy as unequalled rehabilitation method will be popularised and introduced to social workers, doctors and parents to ensure common understanding on triple synchronous benefit-physical, physiological and social.
2.Living environment quality and accessibility of children and youth with special needs and social risk groups will be increased by organization of international summer camps, AAT courses, seminars, developing brochures, creative workshops and conclusion event.
At the same time 16 social sites in 16 LV/LT communities will be improved.
Background of the problem and necessity for cross-border approach is set in the strategy of Euroregion "Country of lakes" 2008-2013. One of the problematic fields in border communities is weak social environment, especially in relation to families having children/ youngsters with special needs and social risk families.There are not enough developed and adapted social infrastructure and accessibility possibilities, as well as insufficient understanding and use of different social rehabilitation methods both by specialists and parents. One of them 'animal-assisted' therapy (AAT) is unequalled rehabilitation method.
During the project:
1.'Animal-assisted' therapy as unequalled rehabilitation method will be popularised and introduced to social workers, doctors and parents to ensure common understanding on triple synchronous benefit-physical, physiological and social.
2.Living environment quality and accessibility of children and youth with special needs and social risk groups will be increased by organization of international summer camps, AAT courses, seminars, developing brochures, creative workshops and conclusion event.
At the same time 16 social sites in 16 LV/LT communities will be improved.
Progress report:
- 465 persons were involved in the project activities – children from the social risk groups, with special needs, their parents, social specialists, family doctors, physiotherapists.
- Seminars targeted to the social specialists, family doctors and parents gave an insight into therapy with the help of animals as unique method of rehabilitation, at the same time providing the understanding of „triple simultaneous effect” – positive and concurrent effect on human body by physical, psychological and social factor. Participants of the seminars were informed about accessibility of different methods of therapies in Latgale region in Latvia and Aukshtaitia in Lithuania. Besides during the trainings parents and family doctors could practically try by themselves the healing effect of the four-legged therapists (dogs and horses).
- During two international summer camps, four seminars and trip to Klaipeda all together 200 children participated in the short courses of animal therapy, where dogs, horses, sea lions and seals by „talking” in a language of emotions which is the most understandable way for children, provided them warms, sweetness and love, as well strengthened not just their physical but psycho emotional condition as well.
- During the project repair works of premises (331,58 m²) were done, video and IT equipment, sets of furniture and sets of special equipment (therapeutic beds, exercise equipment, games for development of sensory and motion sensors and others), as well as three wheelchair platform lifts for vans were obtained. As a result 16 children education and health care institutions in Latvia and Lithuania became more accessible.
Lead partner:
| Biedrība Eiroreģions "Ezeru zeme" |
|
Brīvības 13, Kraslava, LV-5601 , Latvia Tel.: +371656 22201 Fax: +371656 22266 Website: www.ezeruzeme.lv Contact person: Laila Vilmane E-mail: laila@kraslava.lv |
