URBinclusion 2nd Transnational Meeting took place in Krakow

The focus of the meeting was closely related to the objectives of the project, namely the fight against social exclusion and the activation and integration of residents in large urban estates.

The conference was attended by representatives of partner cities from Barcelona, ​​Lyon, Copenhagen, Trikala, Timisoara, Glasgow and Turin.

On the first day, the conference participants listened to lectures on the revitalization of Polish housing estates and the existing social problems in such areas. During the first session, representative of the Jagiellonian University presented the challenges of regeneration of large housing estates in Poland, in the  context of activities that take place in Azory estate. The main social problems in large housing estate in Poland and Krakow have been presented in order to stimulate the discussions about the local context.  Representatives of the Municipal Social Welfare Centre and the Municipal Centre for Supporting Social Initiatives brought the participants closer to the legal regulations and possibilities of social support that people in a difficult life situation can count on. Various forms of inhabitants' activation were also presented. The principles and scope of activities of non-governmental organizations were discussed and a new form of social participation was presented, which is given by the next edition of the civic budget.

The main policy and implementation challenges of the Azory estate have been presented to the partner cities.  Meeting participants discussed possible actions and interventions that could be implemented. Participants also presented and commented on similar problems they face in their cities.  

The afternoon session moved to the Azory housing estate, which was selected as a case study for the URBinclusion project.  Participants visited the Senior Activity Centre and then the Local Activity Point with the planned social garden and the Society of the Friends of Children. It was the opportunity to meet the workers and members of these institutions and learn about their activities. In all these places, foreign guests were very warmly welcomed both by employees and regular visitors of these places: especially children and seniors. The final point of the meeting was the workshop on the subject of the URBinclusion project, in which the representatives of partner cities, the City of Krakow, the Senior Activity Centre, Local Activity Point, Society of the Friends of Children and street workers actively cooperated with each other. One of the topics of brainstorming was the coordination of work between various institutions to improve the living conditions on the Azores housing estate. The brainstorming activity allowed active participation of inhabitants of Azory, stakeholders and representatives of different cities  which led to  very interesting reflexions and discussions. For example, the details of the possible establishment of the Social Centre, which would constitute a centre integrating the residents, were analysed.

As an example of cooperation between municipal units and residents of the housing estate, the "pocket park" currently being implemented by the Municipal Management of Greenery has been shown to the participants.

The second day of the conference was devoted to issues related to the further implementation of the URBinclusion project. Representatives of all cities, creating a matrix of differences and similarities in their case studies, sought ways to solve local problems. This exchange of experience and good practices, along with the results of workshops, will allow further implementation of the project's objectives.