Project objective and target group

The objective of the project “55+: Supported path to employment” is to increase the labour market competitiveness of unemployed people aged 55 and above, and to support them in finding and retaining employment.

The target group of the project consists of unemployed people aged 55 and above living throughout Estonia, regardless of gender or nationality, who need psychosocial support to enter and remain in the labour market.

The project offers individual and group-based services depending on participants’ needs. These services support participants’ psychosocial well-being, self-confidence and motivation. Support is also provided to reduce limiting beliefs, anxiety, social isolation and low self-esteem that hinder a return to the labour market.

A suitable form of support is identified for each participant based on an assessment of their needs and readiness for work. Support groups and individual coaching can be arranged both as in-person and online meetings, in Estonian, Russian or English.

All services provided to participants under the project are free of charge.

Main activities

Initial assessment and individual action plan – an individual meeting is held with each participant to assess their psychosocial situation, readiness for work and need for support. Based on the assessment, an action plan is drawn up and the participant is referred to a suitable service.

Psychosocial support groups – up to four closed support groups are organised during the project. The groups address experiences related to work and unemployment, strengthen participants’ self-confidence, develop coping skills and support motivation to return to work. Support groups run in a set cycle and use discussions, practical exercises and reflection. Meetings may take place online or in person.

Individual psychosocial coaching – individual support helps the participant overcome psychosocial obstacles and plan decisions and steps related to entering employment. Coaching focuses, among other things, on emotional balance, building self-confidence, identifying strengths, formulating goals and progressing in the job search. Meetings may take place online or in person.

Client coordinator service – the client coordinator acts as the participant’s point of contact, assessing the participant’s need for services, providing practical support and helping to find suitable services and solutions. Referral to additional services – if a participant needs assistance not offered under the project, the client coordinator helps find a suitable service outside the project or support from the local municipality.

Expected results

– At least 46 people from the target group will be involved in the project’s activities.
– Participants’ readiness to enter and remain in employment will increase.
– Participants’ psychosocial well-being, self-confidence and work-related self-efficacy will improve.
– Social isolation will decrease, and participants’ support networks and sense of belonging will strengthen.
– The most effective interventions and forms of cooperation for supporting the 55+ target group will be identified.
– Services and methods developed during the project will, where possible, continue to be used after the project ends.

Cooperation network

– Eesti Töötukassa (Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund)
– Local municipalities and their social welfare departments
– Community centres and libraries
– Family doctors
– Health and social sector organisations
– Non-profit organisations and other organisations working with this target group

Project contacts:

Referrals and additional information: info@vaiter.ee

Phone: +372 5635 8318