Social Tailoring

The implementation of the project is expected to have a transformative impact on multiple levels. The main objective is to empower people in vulnerable situations, tangibly improving their employa...

The implementation of the project is expected to have a transformative impact on multiple levels. The main objective is to empower people in vulnerable situations, tangibly improving their employability and facilitating their full social and labour market inclusion. For the direct beneficiaries, the aim is to develop a dual set of skills: on the one hand, practical technical skills in the field of creative sewing and textile recycling, and on the other, the strengthening of key personal and social skills such as self-esteem, resilience, assertive communication and teamwork, which are considered crucial for their personal and professional growth. For partner organisations, the goal is to strengthen transnational cooperation, enabling the exchange of innovative methodologies and practices for working with disadvantaged groups, thus increasing their capacity to implement sustainable and high-impact projects. At the systemic level, we aspire to create and consolidate a replicable social entrepreneurship model: the "European network of social tailoring". This includes the development of a common social brand that adds value and visibility to products, promoting the circular economy.

The project was implemented through three activities. The first, “Non-formal training and coaching,” consisted of a study visit to Porto (Portugal), where the partners consolidated support methodologies. Subsequently, an adapted training program was implemented in each country to develop key personal and social skills, such as self-esteem and teamwork, in the target groups. The second activity, “HUB training creativity and tailoring” focused on technical skills. The study visit to Bitonto (Italy) allowed for the exchange of practices in creative recycling. This was followed by a sewing training program, consisting of four modules, which provided participants with practical skills for creating products from reused materials. Finally, the “European network of social tailoring” activity culminated in a transnational course in Kavadarci (North Macedonia). This event formally established the network, promoted transnational cooperation, and defined the basis for creating a common social brand, ensuring the model's future sustainability and replicability.

The project has generated tangible and intangible results. A “Non-Formal Training and Coaching Plan” has been designed, implemented, and validated for the development of personal and social skills. In addition, a “ Training Program in tailoring and creative workshops” with four specific modules was created, focusing on textile recycling. As a direct result, the beneficiaries acquired a double set of skills, significantly improving their employability and personal well-being. At the consortium level, the partner organizations strengthened their transnational cooperation, enriching their working methodologies thanks to study visits. The most strategic result was the establishment of the “European Social Tailoring Network,” laying the foundations for a common social brand and a sustainable and replicable social entrepreneurship model. Products were created from recycled materials, the results were published on the project website, and a local and international support network was consolidated to ensure the continuity of the initiative.