Italy is stepping up its efforts to provide social and digital support services to its residents, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with disabilities. This initiative has manifested through two significant projects launched recently, the 'Sportello Sociale' and the 'Sportello Digitale'. These services aim to bridge gaps in healthcare access and digital literacy for those who need it most.
The 'Sportello Sociale' is set to officially open on March 3, 2025, at the ASREM multi-specialty clinic on Via Toscana, Campobasso. This initiative aims to serve as a unified access point for social and healthcare services. Giovanni Di Santo, the General Director of the ASREM, emphasized the importance of prioritizing user needs. “For us, the user is a priority,” Di Santo stated during the announcement, underscoring the challenges often faced by citizens when trying to navigate complex healthcare systems. The service will provide front-office management, information dissemination, and referrals to specific social and healthcare services.
The scope of activities at 'Sportello Sociale' includes consultancy, orientation, and the handling of requests for access to services. It will facilitate citizens' access to local social and health resources, including information on available social and health benefits. Importantly, this initiative aims to support families through mediation and listening, addressing conflicts and needs directly.
It is worth noting, as Loredana Sorgente, the social worker involved, mentioned, the services will not include psychiatric support, child welfare services, substance abuse treatment, or home visits. Instead, these services will operate exclusively to assist users with information and navigation through existing services without taking on clinical responsibilities.
This new service is not only about direct healthcare access but is also rooted in broader community engagement. “Last week we met local associations to inform them about our new offering,” Sorgente said, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the initiative. Initially, the office will be open three days a week, with plans to extend hours as demand grows.
Meanwhile, Siracusa is making significant strides with its own initiative, the 'Sportello Digitale', which aims to support elderly residents, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable citizens by helping them engage with digital technology and access public administration services. This free digital assistance center is part of the larger National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), supported by the Department for Digital Transformation and the Sicilian Regional Government.
Located at the Social Services office on Via Italia 105, the 'Sportello Digitale' provides free assistance on various digital services, including guidance on using the Digital Identity (SPID), electronic health records, and online appointment scheduling and payments. Local officials anticipate this service will help those less familiar with technology to gain confidence and independence when interacting with public services.
The municipality plans to launch additional points within municipal offices to expand coverage across the entire area, ensuring accessibility for all residents. The local government expressed commitment to bolster social policies, reinforcing the need for such initiatives to aid socially disadvantaged members of the community.
The dual-launch of the 'Sportello Sociale' and 'Sportello Digitale' not only highlights Italy’s focus on improving social services and technological support but also reflects the pressing need for local governments to respond proactively to the needs of their communities. These initiatives represent important steps toward more inclusive and accessible healthcare and digital opportunities, ensuring no one is left behind.
These programs emerge as notable examples of how local administrations can innovate and collaborate to meet the diverse needs of their residents. By prioritizing user-centered design, they aim to transform inherently complex social and healthcare landscapes, making them navigable for the general public.