Release from prison and the process of reintegrating into society represent a major challenge
for ex-offenders, with employment being a crucial factor in supporting this adaptation and
preventing recidivism.
The UNLOCK project aims to adapt the European Supported Employment model to facilitate
the inclusion of ex-offenders in the labour market in Portugal and Belgium. Through
personalised pathways, we seek to support the transition to employment, combat stigma, and
promote equal opportunities. To achieve this, we focus on strengthening professional support
structures and enhancing the quality of guidance available for labour market reintegration.
The full inclusion of persons with disabilities in society – particularly in the labour market – remains a persistent challenge across European countries. In response to this reality, support models that combine personal development, civic participation and professional integration are becoming increasingly relevant. Within this framework, structured volunteering is considered a promising pathway to open up new employment opportunities and to foster meaningful change in how society approaches inclusion. It is from this perspective that the VOICE project was developed, integrating volunteering into the Supported Employment model in Portugal and Romania.
The VOICE project promotes the creation of new employability pathways for persons with disabilities, recognising volunteering as an effective means to develop skills, boost self-confidence, and promote inclusion and diversity in workplaces and communities.
Building on this approach, the project aims to empower persons with disabilities, strengthening their role as active participants in society – both as volunteers and as valued members of the workforce.
Persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing and retaining employment in the open labour market, particularly due to persistent stereotypes, limited workplace accessibility, insufficient employer awareness, and gaps in the collaboration between employers and Supported Employment professionals. Although Supported Employment is a recognised approach to promoting labour market inclusion, professionals working in this field often need additional tools and strategies to engage employers more effectively and to support sustainable job placements.
The BE AWARE – Business Engagement for Advancing Work Accessibility and Retention for Employees with Disabilities project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme in the field of Vocational Education and Training, aims to strengthen the capacity of Supported Employment professionals in Portugal and Bulgaria to engage employers, promote inclusive recruitment practices, and improve employment retention for disabled individuals. Through the development of a blended training package, practical resources, pilot training activities, and multi-stakeholder exchange, BE AWARE seeks to enhance employer collaboration, improve job matching processes, and contribute to more accessible, inclusive and sustainable workplaces.
Individuals with severe mental illness continue to experience significant barriers to accessing and sustaining employment in the open labour market, despite their willingness and capacity to work. While Supported Employment has proven to be an effective approach to labour market inclusion, professionals working in this field often require additional mental health-informed knowledge, practical tools, and employer engagement strategies to provide personalised, long-term support and improve job retention outcomes.
The MIND-SET – Advancing Mental Health Inclusion through Augmented Supported Employment and Training project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme in the field of Vocational Education and Training (VET), aims to strengthen the capacity of Supported Employment professionals in Portugal and Romania by advancing Augmented Supported Employment (ASE) as an innovative, mental health-informed approach. Through the development of a practical Toolkit, the implementation of a blended training programme, pilot activities and knowledge exchange between partners, MIND-SET seeks to improve employment access and retention for individuals with severe mental illness, strengthen collaboration with employers, and contribute to more inclusive, supportive and sustainable workplaces.