2010 International Social Innovation Research Conference Partnerships, Hybrids and Networks Cliff Kaltoft, National Association of Join-in Centres (NAJIC) Steen Svendsen, Søren Steen Olsen, Public Futures Danish join-in centres and the small-steps method in social work: A case in social innovation

Wicked problems Complex, intertwined problems: Stress, social isolation, drugs, new family patterns, new transitions, immigrants’ position in society, ageing society, living with chronic diseases, climate change, environment, resource problems Policy making ”the process by which governments translate their political vision into programmes and actions to deliver ”outcomes” – desired changes in the real world” Strategy Unit, Cabinet Office, UK

Context: Denmark – some characteristics as seen from, say, the UK Relatively: Small country Extensive welfare state Decentralised government Strong history of social innovation Well-established ”arm’s length” practices – including ”hybrid” traditions, from agriculture to labour market, to vibrant civil society

Social innovation – an important approach to policy making ”New ideas that work at creating social value” Spurred by: New social needs emerging Existing models and approaches becoming inadequate New opportunities arising – technology, associations, ideas, links, partnerships (hybrids) Join-in centres: A case in point!

What is a join-in centre? A join-in centre is a refuge, a haven from life on the streets and the demands of caseworkers and the authorities Not a soup kitchen Not treatment Provides new opportunities for the individual

The four functional areas of the join-in centre Social space and training room Covers basic needs Contact point and bridge with a low threshold A greenhouse

The small steps method Is more a principle than an actual method Is a revolt against : Case-working system’s management-by-regulation Resignation and indifference Victim mentality The myth of the right answer Silo-thinking on social issues

National Association of Join-In Centres (NAJIC) Established 1998 ”the Hope” 2002 The Join-In Centre Concept 2005 Tour de Vulnerable ’05 bicycle stage race Danish Join-In Centre Sports Est From Vulnerable to Valued 2009 Social Inclusion Games 2009 The small steps method 2009 Currently 104 join-in centres with socially diasadvantaged people

Approaches in social work

Case: Sport as an instrument in social work Desire for change Sports for all - every week Sport with no barriers, no excuses Danish Join-In Centre Sports has since 2006 gathered 100 sports clubs from join-in centres and treatment centres 45 of these clubs took part in the 2010 Social Inclusion Games in Twente, Holland

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Surveys SUSY-Udsat 2007 National survey of sickness and health of 1290 socially marginalised people conducted at join-in centres ’Sport as an instrument in social work’ documents effects of organized sports activities. Measurable effects in four areas: Joie de vivre Physiological affects Personal relations Desire for change

Effects of The small steps method For ten years the join-in centres have focused on change and ressources The small steps have proved to be a giant step in social work in terms of motivating users Sport is just one offer within the join-in centres and the effects of sports are also the effects of the small steps method

wish you a great time working with The small steps method