Fundacja „Promyk Słońca”

Promyk Słońca is a foundation primarily dedicated to helping children with disabilities and children at risk of disability, along with their families, as well as providing comprehensive support for all young people at risk of social exclusion, experiencing mental health difficulties or personal situations of crisis. In addition to medical care and rehabilitation (within the Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Centre), education (an inclusive nursery and a training centre for doctors, physiotherapists, teachers and specialists in the fields of rehabilitation, treatment, education and developmental support for children with disabilities and functional impairments), integration and social assistance (the Assistance and Respite Care Centre for people with disabilities, and the Volunteering Centre for families of people with disabilities), the foundation organises activities and events for young people focusing on social inclusion across several areas, including the arts. To this end, in 2023 we implemented a project funded by the National Reconstruction Programme (Krajowy Program Odbudowy), in which we launched a youth club and café, where young people hold meetings (both formal and informal) and which serves as a venue for youth activities (art exhibitions, concerts, quizzes, tournaments, board games, art workshops and more). All of these youth-focused activities are designed, amongst other things, to support those in crisis and those who have experienced a mental health crisis. Our youth club and café forms part of the plan to deinstitutionalise healthcare for people in crisis and those who have experienced a mental health crisis, as an additional form of support provided at the local community level. By expanding our activities to include a new service and a new target group, we are developing our potential in the area of activities that promote social reintegration and making our support for young people more comprehensive. Our initiative focuses on those who are socially excluded or at risk of social exclusion, in crisis or who have experienced a mental health crisis, by engaging young people in new activities at the Club Café, primarily based on artistic pursuits or active and meaningful leisure activities. We are interested in joining Erasmus+ projects aimed at young people, especially ones focused on supporting children and youth, promoting social inclusion through creative outlets, as well as international initiatives for youth workers and educators. We are also keen to join any existing consortia working within those areas, and are eager to share our expertise in fields such as youth support, rehabilitation, education and the organisation of numerous projects, programmes, initiatives and events on a national scale. With decades of local involvement, we are keen to gain more experience internationally through the Erasmus+ programme and partner collaboration.