ENS4care joint project that IFSW Europe is participating in with the European Federation of Nurses (EFN)

Dear Colleagues,

I’m writing to request your assistance to promote the ENS4care joint project that IFSW Europe is participating in with the European Federation of Nurses (EFN) and 22 other partners to develop electronic guidance for social workers, nurses and other social and health care professionals on the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) such as Telecare to support dependent individuals in their own homes and identify any additional skills and training that may be required for work of this nature. 

The project, which is being funded by the EU for a 2 year period, aims to promote closer working arrangements between social workers, social service/ social care workers and nurses and other health professionals as well as developing new forms of intervention such as social and health prescribing.  The project is being co-ordinated by EFN and participants include organisations representing users and carers. Details of the other partners can be found at the following web link:  http://www.ens4care.eu/partners/

IFSW has advised the other partners in the project of our concern as social workers to ensure that guidance of this nature developed by the project promotes user directed services, choice and empowerment and is human rights compliant.  A brief article on the project was included in the November “European Social Worker”  IFSW Europe's newsletter.

The first stage in the project is to gather information about existing practice in this field and identify social workers who can contribute to this important work.  To this end we would be grateful if you would disseminate information about the project as widely as possible in your country through your membership organisation and other networks. The questionnaire can be completed online at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G8837QJ and the deadline for responses is 14^th March 2014.

You will note the relatively short timescale for completion of the initial questionnaire and that responses require to be submitted in English.  We are concerned to ensure that this does not deter social workers with relevant experience from participating and would be grateful if anyone who is unable to comply with these requirements would contact the IFSW representative on the project, Ian Johnston, by email at:i.johnston@talk21.com concerning any special assistance that may be required to enable them to participate.

With kind regards. 

Cristina Martins

President of the IFSW European Region

[International Federation of Social Workers – Europe e.V.]