The role of social circle – Ateneo

In a context marked by social inequalities, precariousness and the crisis of care, the social and solidarity economy (ESS) emerges as a real and transformative alternative. Beyond generating employment or economic activity, the ESS puts people, collective well -being and the care of life. That is why the projects that are articulated in this framework have a great social impact, especially in areas such as child care, the elderly, people with functional diversity, mental health, education or emotional support.

The social circle of the Ateneu Cooperativa del Baix Llobregat is the space that houses, connects and promotes these initiatives. A space to strengthen the community dimension of cooperativism, to share knowledge and strategies, and to make visible that care for people can also be managed from ethical, sustainable and democratic models.

Care and well -being from collective models

One of the most powerful contributions of the ESS in the social field is its collective approach. Where the traditional system tends to individualize discomfort and privatize the services, cooperatives and entities of the ESS generate community, rooted and co -responsible responses.

These initiatives promote the empowerment of users, shared decision -making, inclusion of social vocation professionals and collaboration with local networks or local institutions. The impact goes beyond attendance: links, community and opportunities for participation are built.

Diversity of projects in the territory

In the Baix Llobregat we find very diverse examples of being applied in the social field: Cooperatives of Child Care, Socioeducational Intervention Projects, Housing initiatives with support, therapeutic support services, emotional support groups, services for people with disabilities, etc.

These are projects that combine professional quality with cooperative values ​​that dignify care work and seek to generate more inclusive and resilient environments. Many of these projects are born of the same need for the community, and have the ability to adapt to the changes and realities of each neighborhood or municipality.

What does the social circle do?

The main objective of the Ateneo social circle is to accompany, connect and give visibility to all those initiatives that work in the field of care, inclusion and social action from the ESS.

Their main lines of work are:

• Facilitate meeting and exchange spaces between cooperative social entities.
• Support the creation of new projects and its consolidation.
• Detect emerging social needs in the territory and articulate collective responses.
• Link care with other axes such as sustainability or culture.

It also acts as a speaker to put care at the center of public and political debate, arguing that it is imperative to dignify this sector and guarantee its social, labor and economic recognition.

Short -term challenges and horizons

Cooperative social projects face challenges such as a lack of stable property, the need for institutional recognition, the precariousness of many professionals and the difficulty of accessing public spaces or resources.

However, there is a sustained growth of interest and proposals that shows that the ESS can play a central role in the social care of the future. Projects that work with a feminist, intercultural and community look are showing new paths and forms of relationship.

The Ateneo, through the circle, works to overcome these obstacles with shared strategies, strategic alliances and specific training that allows entities to be more sustainable and influential.

By an economy of transformative care

The ESS offers us an opportunity to imagine and build a more just, close and human model of social care. The Social Circle is a key space for promoting this transformation in the Baix Llobregat, strengthening existing initiatives and opening the door to new proposals.

Because caring is also transforming. And doing it collectively is the essence of cooperativism.