Consultation meeting at the Town Hall

Consultation Meeting at the City Hall

On February 3, an open meeting for residents, NGO representatives, and institutions was held in the City Hall conference room. The session focused on three new social programs currently being developed by the city in collaboration with the residents of Ciechanów. These programs will provide residents with psychological and psychiatric support, as well as assistance in the form of minor home repairs. This initiative is part of a project for which the City Hall secured financial backing under the Polish-Swiss Town Development Program.

The City of Ciechanów is currently conducting public consultations to determine the final shape of these support programs, implemented with the support of the Swiss government. From January 22 to February 16, residents can share their opinions on the scope and form of programs covering: free psychiatric and psychological support, and "handyman" services (złota rączka) for minor household repairs.

The meeting on February 3 brought together members of the Social Committee and representatives from various organizations and institutions, including:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs),

• The Specialized Provincial Hospital in Ciechanów,

• The Office for Prevention and Resolution of Addiction Problems,

• The Municipal Social Welfare Centre (MOPS),

• Housing estate boards and the Social Housing Association (TBS),

• Other housing cooperatives,

• Representatives of the Youth City Council and senior associations.

Key topics raised during the session included the eligibility criteria for the "handyman" program, a point of particular interest for housing estate boards.

A significant portion of the debate focused on the accessibility of psychological support for youth and the organization of psychiatric consultations. Residents and representatives from the Ciechanów Hospital—which collaborates closely with the city and the Addiction Prevention Office—shared valuable insights regarding current forms of aid, specifically for families facing crises. Participants discussed the scale of demand for support services and ways to tailor them to local needs. Social Committee members highlighted the need to simplify the access path to psychological and psychiatric services, while the youth present suggested a broad promotional campaign for the project in partnership with the city.

The programs currently under consultation will be implemented by MOPS through the Resident Support Center in Ciechanów. This center will serve as a hub for individuals in difficult situations, those who have been excluded, or those at risk of social exclusion.

The programs are 100% funded by the Swiss government through the Polish-Swiss Town Development Program, as part of the project titled: "Strengthening Social Systems and Environmental Protection in Ciechanów and Part of its Functional Urban Area."