State Aid Scheme of the Social Welfare Services for the establishment of new or the expansion of existing social care structures within the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026
Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
The fifth Αxis focuses on the development of the required skills and competencies in the existing and future workforce, so that it responds effectively to the demands and trends of the modern labor market, according to its current and future needs, including those arising from the green and digital transition. The proposed reforms and investments are in line with relevant European initiatives and priorities.
The axis also includes reforms and investments to address labor market weaknesses related to the need to facilitate market entry, especially for women with children, to improve the availability and accessibility of early childhood education and care, and to create a network of childcare facilities. It also aims to increase employment for young people outside of work, education or training (NEET).
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
The objective of the Scheme is the establishment of new social care structures or the upgrading/expansion of existing structures by creating additional positions, thus strengthening the welfare state and promoting social inclusion and well-being.
The Scheme, in the context of its first call for applications, focuses on the following priorities, in line with the corresponding challenges that Cyprus faces:
(α) Establishment of new or upgrading/expansion of existing Multifuctional Centers for Children (day care centers/nurseries for pre-school aged children 0-4 year and school aged children 6-13 years), as well as Childcare Centers (day care centers/nurseries for pre-school aged children 0-4 years). The objective of this action is the provision of affordable quality care and social development services for children. This will contribute to increasing women’s participation in the labour market, gender equality, improve employment in general and contribute to increasing the fertility rate, reducing the risk of poverty as well as reducing inequalities.
(b) Establishment of new or upgrade/expansion of existing 24hour Care Centers for people who are in need for Long Term Care (small role model community-based housing units for hosting up to Persons).
The objective is to address gaps in the provision of long-term care services.
Detailed Call Description
The Social Welfare Services (SWS) are the Implementing Body of the following two Investments of Policy Axis 5.2 “Labour market, social protection and inclusion” of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) of the Republic of Cyprus 2021-2026.:
Investment 2: “Establishment of Multifunctional Centers and Childcare Centers” (C5.212) and
Investment 3: “Establishment of home structures for children, adolescent with conduct disorders, person with disabilities and people in need of long-term care” (C5.2I3)
For the implementation of the abovementioned Investments the SWS, after receiving all the relevant approvals, announced on the 24.02.2023 a new State Aid Scheme in the context of the RRP.
The Scheme focuses on the following targets/milestones:
(a) Establishment of at least thirty (30) new or upgrading/expansion of existing Multifunctional Centers for Children and Childcare Centers by the end of June 2026, and with a midterm target/milestone the provision of grant/state aid to at least 11 NGOs or LAs for the establishment of the abovementioned structures by 31.12.2024.
(b) Establishment of at least six (6) new or upgrading/expansion of existing 24-hour Care Centers for people who are in need for Long Term Care by the end of June 2026 and with a midterm target/milestone the establishment of 2 Care structures by the 31.12.2024.
Beneficiaries of the Scheme are: Local Authorities (LAs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and partnerships of NGOs and LAs.
The state aid amounts to 100%, with a maximum amount of funding per project of €500 000.
The eligible costs as described in articles 1 & 7 of the Scheme cover:
- Construction of the structure,
- Purchase of structure including and possible renovations,
- renovation/upgrade of existing structures real estate to cover additional positions,
- purchase of equipment for the structures.
The Scheme does not cover operational expenses of the Programs (e.g., salaries, rents). The provision of state aid through this Scheme is made on the basis of a Public Funding Agreement between the SWS and the Final Beneficiary.
Interested parties can submit an application, fully completed with all the required supporting documents, to the District/Local SWS Offices as indicated on the websites of Social Welfare Services and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
The state aid is given as a percentage on the entire eligible investment (100%) with a maximum amount of aid allowed
€500 000 per Programme.
Thematic Categories
- Employment
- Social Affairs & Human Rights
Eligibility for Participation
- Local Authorities
- NGOs
- Other Beneficiaries
Eligibility For Participation Notes
- NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations)
- L.As. (Logal Authorities) and their partnerships as defined in article 4 of the RRP Plan.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Social Welfare Services
Contact Persons:
Niki Odysseos
Social Welfare Officer
Τelephone: 22406602
Email: nodysseos@sws.dmsw.gov.cy
Fax: 22667907
Evgenia Koufou
Social Welfare Offices
Τelephone: 22406744
Email: dekoufou@sws.dmsw.gov.cy
Fax: 22667907
Elena Katsexou
Social Welfare Offices
Τelephone: 22406745
Email: ekatsexou@sws.dmsw.gov.cy
Fax: 22667907
Maria Constantinou
Social Welfare Offices
Τelephone: 22406744
Email: mkonstantinou@sws.dmsw.gov.cy
Fax: 22667907
(Publish Date: 27/04/2023-for internal use only)