M3 · Social Integration
M3
Slide 14
CONTENT
Structural Barriers Across European Contexts
Across Europe, challenges may include:

Labour market segmentation

Conditionality within welfare systems

Administrative complexity

Benefit withdrawal thresholds

Limited supported employment infrastructure

In Central and Eastern Europe, additional barriers may involve:

Lower benefit levels

Limited social enterprise development

Higher informal employment

Weak integration between employment and social services

Policy frameworks must therefore adapt to structural context.
Integrated Health and Social Care perspective
From an Integrated Health and Social Care perspective, economic and social participation are health-relevant interventions.
INCOME INSECURITY INCREASES:

Chronic stress

Mental health vulnerability

Substance use relapse risk

Housing instability

MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION INCREASES:

Self-efficacy

Social connectedness

Recovery orientation

Psychological resilience

Integrated models should include:

Benefits counselling

Legal assistance for entitlement claims

Vocational assessment

Peer involvement pathways

Community engagement facilitation

Flexible employment reintegration

Integration is multidimensional.
CORE INSIGHT
Employment is a powerful pathway to social inclusion — but it is not the only one.
For people experiencing long-term homelessness, integration may mean:

Stability

Dignity

Participation

Social connection

Gradual reintegration

Sustainable integration pathways must be realistic, person-centred and adapted to health complexity.