“ON YOUR SIDE!” – SUPPORT FOR PARENTS FACING COMMUNITY CHALLENGES
NEEDS ANALYSIS
Parents of children and young people with developmental disabilities and persons with disabilities are among the groups most at risk in terms of mental health. Long-term care, emotional burden, social isolation and a lack of accessible support increase the risk of chronic stress and burnout and reduce the quality of life of the whole family.
National data show the scale of the problem: UNICEF estimates that more than 44,000 adolescents (11.5%) have mental health difficulties, while the share of persons with disabilities in Croatia has risen from 12% to 17% of the population in ten years. 32,101 children with disabilities are registered in Croatia, and around 31,894 pupils have identified difficulties (7% of all pupils).
The situation is more pronounced in Vukovar-Srijem County, one of the most socially disadvantaged in Croatia. 21,365 persons with disabilities are registered in Vukovar-Srijem County, which means that more than 35,000 parents and family members are directly exposed to increased psychosocial risks. The prevalence of disability is 15.7% of the population, and 7% among children and young people, which confirms the exceptional need for systematic support.
PROGRAMME GOALS:
General goal
To improve the mental, emotional and physical health of parents, children and young people with disabilities and persons with disabilities through comprehensive psychosocial and inclusive programmes in the community.
Specific goals
- To reduce psychological stress and the risk of burnout among parents
- To empower children and parents through sports and recreational activities in nature
- To increase the social inclusion of families through creative and therapeutic workshops
- To improve parenting competences through psychological and educational support
- To increase the visibility of the needs of families of children with disabilities through a public campaign
The implementation of the programme brings long-term changes at the level of parents, children and the whole community. The programme is designed so that its effects last even after the funding ends, by strengthening the capacities of families, creating sustainable habits and raising community awareness:
- Long-term improvement of parents’ mental health
In the long term, parents will develop better emotional regulation, resilience to stress, more effective coping strategies and a greater sense of competence in the everyday care of their child. - Reducing the risk of burnout among parents
Through respite, psychological support and coaching, parents get the resources to prevent chronic fatigue and emotional exhaustion. - Long-term strengthening of the emotional and social functioning of children and young people with disabilities
Children develop motor, communication and social skills and more stable emotional reactions. - Adopting healthy lifestyle habits in the family
Regular family activities such as the “Wheel of Support” create a habit of physical activity, which in the long term has a positive effect on mental health and family relationships. - Strengthening the connections and social inclusion of families
The programme reduces isolation and creates a network of mutual support between parents, professionals and the community.
PROJECT PARTNER:
Town of Vukovar
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD
19 March 2026 to 19 March 2029
TOTAL PROJECT VALUE
EUR 45,000
CONTACT
Viktorija Matin, project manager
ured.vukovarski.leptirici@gmail.com
098 952 7761
