​When the Socialance rolled out onto the streets of Frederiksberg in August last year, it aimed to provide more targeted help to people with complex social and health-related challenges. Since then, the Socialance has helped many citizens through 1-1-2 calls and street outreach.

“It means a great deal that we can assist those citizens who need extra help. The Socialance creates a sense of security and is a huge support for people who are struggling. Therefore, I also look forward to celebrating its one-year anniversary in Frederiksberg,” says Michael Vindfeldt (Social Democrat Party), Mayor of Frederiksberg Municipality.

An important interdisciplinary effort

The Socialance operates through a partnership between the Capital Region of Denmark’s Emergency Services and the municipality and is staffed by a healthcare professional and a social worker. Together, they offer a holistic approach to citizens who often fall between traditional services.

The initial experiences in Frederiksberg build on the strong results the Socialance has achieved in Copenhagen over many years. Therefore, Regional Council Chairman Lars Gaardhøj (Social Democratic Party) is delighted that it is reaching even more people.

“For those people who, for various reasons, need more than an ambulance or a trip to the hospital, the Socialance makes a huge difference, which I have experienced when I have been on duty myself. We have seen for 10 years in Copenhagen, and now also for the last year in Frederiksberg, what a difference it makes for some of our most vulnerable citizens when the Socialance can provide more time, presence, and help that goes beyond the healthcare service’s normal treatment,” says Lars Gaardhøj.

The Socialance in more municipalities

In the Capital Region of Denmark, the Socialance has been operating for over 10 years in the City of Copenhagen, and earlier this year, Region Zealand launched a Socialance partnership with Holbæk, Kalundborg, Odsherred, and Lejre, while Roskilde Municipality will become part of the partnership from September.

The Director of the Emergency Services, Thomas Reimann, is positive about the experiences already gained from the help that the Socialance provides:

“The Socialance shows what happens when we bring the right skills together around the citizen. The first year in Frederiksberg has confirmed that close collaboration between the health and social sectors can create a more targeted and coherent effort for some of the citizens who may have the most complex needs,” he says.

FACTS​

• The Socialance receives calls via 1-1-2 from the police or citizens, conducts street patrols, and works closely with shelters and drop-in centres.
• The Socialance is equipped with equipment to provide lifesaving first aid and basic health checks.
  
• The Socialance is staffed by a municipal social worker and a paramedic or emergency medical technician from the Capital Region of Denmark’s Emergency Services.