The Neighbourhood Social Worker programme, launched in April 2023, has transitioned from a pilot phase to full islandwide implementation in Cyprus, providing localized social welfare services. Deputy Welfare Minister Clea Papaellina announced that as of December 2024, the programme is staffed by 34 neighbourhood social workers and 11 supervision officers covering all major districts including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos.

The initiative aims to promote prevention, early intervention, and social cohesion by offering accessible, flexible, and community-based support. It is part of a broader restructuring effort within Cyprus’s social welfare services and is funded under the EU’s Thalia 2021-2027 cohesion policy programme.

At a recent conference reviewing the programme’s progress, Papaellina emphasized the importance of social services being present within communities to address immediate needs effectively. The event also served as a forum for exchanging ideas to further enhance and develop the initiative.