Europe is undergoing a period of profound social and demographic transformations that are redefining the role of social services and care systems. People are living longer, there is a need to improve social cohesion, address unwanted loneliness and pressures on welfare systems to guarantee inclusion and care. Likewise, changes in family structures require new responses based on prevention, community participation, and shared social responsibility.

In this context, community action is gaining increasing relevance in European social policies. Communities are not only spaces where social needs are identified and addressed, but also environments where networks of support, solidarity, and participation are created, strengthening social cohesion and collective well-being. Social services play a key role in facilitating, supporting, connecting, and leading these community dynamics, promoting approaches that overcome fragmentation between administrations and fostering collaboration with sectors such as health, housing, education, employment, and between government and the third sector.

At the same time, various European and local initiatives — such as child-friendly, age-friendly and compassionate cities, or integrated social and health and social and housing care models — are demonstrating the potential of community action to build more resilient and sustainable social welfare systems.

This edition of the Conference aims to contribute to this strategic debate by bringing together policymakers, social services professionals, third sector organisations and civil society, researchers, and community agencies to explore how to strengthen caring communities and promote the well-being of all people.