The Social Services Agora of the Barcelona City Council has finished its debate phase, during which a hundred people served by municipal social services contributed concrete proposals to improve the care received. This participatory process, part of the Government Measure for Social Action (2023-2027), aims to consolidate a model of citizen participation with real impact on public policies.
The initiative, led by the Municipal Institute of Social Services (IMSS) and the Directorate of Services for Democratic Participation and Innovation, involved individuals aged 18 to 80, selected by lottery with representational criteria. Over ten sessions held across three months, participants shared their experiences and reflected on key aspects such as access to centers, administrative procedures, the care received, and the relationship with professionals.
The proposals developed address eleven major strategic themes, including information and communication, initial contact and reception, the relationship and continuity with professionals, work plans and personal autonomy, coordination and unified records, emotional support and mental health, gender perspective and diversity, emergency care, quality evaluation, human resources, and the physical conditions of the centers.
Participant feedback has been highly positive, with an average score of 4.47 out of 5. Highlights include the perceived usefulness of the process, the quality of the debates, and the feeling of having contributed to defining policies and services. Inclusivity, representativeness, and the active listening capacity of the process were particularly valued.
The Barcelona City Council commits to analyzing the received proposals and responding regarding their incorporation into municipal policies by the end of 2026. This initiative reinforces the city's commitment to democratic innovation and inclusive participation in improving public services.
