SPOC PROJECT

The SPOCs (Special Persons of Contact) project is a unique initiative aimed at enhancing the integration of Ukrainian refugees within the Brussels region. Through a community-based approach, seven Ukrainian Special Persons of Contact (SPOCs), selected by the UNHCR in collaboration with the Regional Government of Brussels, are working in close collaboration with Belgian governmental structures, local administrations, and various partner organizations to ensure a cohesive and coordinated response to the needs of Ukrainian refugees.Their role is central in connecting the Ukrainian community with available services, while also ensuring that the integration process remains efficient, transparent, and responsive to the evolving needs of the refugees.

Key Responsibilities of the SPOC team:

1. Community Engagement and Information Sharing:  SPOCs work to understand the needs and challenges faced by the Ukrainian refugee community. 

2. Translation and Dissemination of Information: To ensure accessibility, SPOCs translate key elements of governmental plans into Ukrainian and other relevant languages. They disseminate this information through various channels such as social media, printed materials, and community networks, ensuring refugees are informed and empowered to navigate local systems.

3. Focus Group Discussions: SPOCs organize and facilitate focus group discussions with Ukrainian refugees on topics related to housing, employment, healthcare, and other aspects of integration. These discussions provide valuable community feedback that informs policy decisions and helps tailor support solutions to the specific needs of refugees.

4. Active Participation in Sector Meetings: SPOCs attend all sector-specific meetings to represent the perspectives and concerns of the Ukrainian community. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in the decision-making process and maintain an ongoing flow of information between government bodies and the refugee population.

5. Data Collection for Impact Reporting:

SPOCs are responsible for collecting and reporting quantitative data to evaluate the impact of integration efforts. 

The Ukrainian SPOCs are deployed across various key integration sectors, including:

• Housing coordination (GT1): Supporting refugees in securing suitable housing accommodations, ensuring a safe and stable living environment.
• Crisis housing coordination (GT2):The Shelters Program is dedicated to offering temporary housing solutions for individuals and families facing challenges in accessing public or social rental housing. Our program aims to create safe, welcoming environments where residents can find stability while they work towards longer-term housing solutions.
• Jobs coordination (GT3): Assisting refugees in accessing employment opportunities, thereby promoting economic stability and self-sufficiency.
• Education coordination (GT4): We develop inclusive after-school programs in French and Dutch for all newly arrived children, focusing on language training options and empowering the Ukrainian community to organize extracurricular activities. Ensuring clear information on level recognition and diploma equivalencies for accessing higher education is essential, and we provide Ukrainian families with the necessary resources to navigate these processes. 
• Healthcare coordination (GT5): Facilitating access to healthcare resources and services, prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of refugees.
• Social coordination (GT6): Providing support and assistance with social integration, including access to social welfare programs and community resources.
• Production and Dissemination of Relevant Information (GT7): Collecting, creating, and sharing information about integration processes and available resources in Belgium, empowering refugees with the knowledge they need to navigate and integrate into their new environment effectively. We disseminate information through social media, websites, and informational sessions, ensuring access to interpretation services.

The SPOC project is an essential part of the broader effort to foster the social and economic integration of Ukrainian refugees in Brussels, empowering them to become active participants in their new communities while receiving the support they need to thrive.