EVOSST: innovating for well-being, independence, and inclusion in social services

In a European context marked by growing social, economic, and health challenges, the EVOSST project has a bold ambition: to rethink the evaluation and improvement of social services based on a comprehensive understanding of well-being.

A broader vision of social services

Within the framework of EVOSST, social services are considered in a broad and interdisciplinary sense. They encompass all public and community support mechanisms aimed at improving well-being, autonomy, social inclusion, and quality of life, particularly for people in vulnerable situations. These services are not limited to access to rights or care, but also include psychological, social, educational, and civic dimensions, with one central objective: to support the empowerment of the people receiving support.

Towards a multidimensional measure of well-being

One of EVOSST’s main objectives is to develop a multidimensional measure of well-being adapted to the context of social services. This approach integrates both psychological well- being (quality of life, mental health, resilience) and indicators of social inclusion such as participation, social recognition, and autonomy in accessing services.

Ultimately, EVOSST aims to create a practical tool enabling professionals and beneficiaries alike to assess the real impact of social services more accurately, going beyond administrative or quantitative indicators alone.

Digital technology at the service of beneficiaries

The EVOSST project also relies on the use of digital technologies to improve service delivery, service evaluation, and user experience. These technologies are an important tool for promoting accessibility, co-construction of services, and adaptation to the real needs of the people being supported.

In this context, four pilot projects are being rolled out across Europe. Among them, the University of Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV) is offering a serious game for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). UPJV is involved in the Atypie Friendly program: achieving inclusive universities together (https://atypie-friendly.fr/). It is a national program that works to build inclusive higher education for students and staff with neurodevelopmental disorders. This is why we have built an innovative tool (digital serious game) that aims to support

psychological well-being, social participation, and inclusion in higher education, while providing an experiential and engaging environment.

A change in perspective on well-being and social inequalities

EVOSST stands out for its major shift in perspective: it invites us to move beyond a view of well-being focused solely on individual vulnerabilities to highlight the decisive role of social, organizational, and collective conditions. By addressing all populations, regardless of their situation, the project emphasizes that well-being is closely linked to the quality of social environments, the fairness of support systems, and real opportunities for participation. This approach provides a better understanding of how social inequalities are created and maintained, but also how they can be reduced by social services designed to promote cohesion, solidarity, and social justice.

A European ambition

By combining research, technological innovation, and practical experience in the field, EVOSST contributes to a European reflection on social services that are fairer, more inclusive, and focused on people’s well-being. The project illustrates the need to move beyond a logic of access to services and focus on their real impact on citizens’ health, autonomy, and social participation.

EVOSST is thus an ambition to measure better in order to support better, in the service of a more inclusive Europe.

Authors

Federica CILIA and Vanessa LAGUETTE, Associates professors in psychology
Chloé DESCHAMPS, Postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience

University of Picardie Jules Verne