Madrid provides integration support for Ukrainian refugees

The Community of Madrid is maintaining a social and labor integration program for 104 Ukrainian refugees who arrived in the region following the Russian invasion. The initiative provides housing, specialized care, and tools to foster autonomy, specifically targeting individuals with severe mental illness or intellectual disabilities.

Support is delivered through two public resources managed by the Madridian Agency for Social Care (AMAS): the Gran Residencia in the Carabanchel district and a center in Colmenar Viejo. The intervention model focuses on personal and social skills, offering psychological support, Spanish language classes, and workshops in art, cooking, and crafts to facilitate integration.

To date, 16 refugees have successfully entered the labor market, finding employment in sectors such as cleaning and gardening. Ana Dávila, the Counselor for Family, Youth, and Social Affairs, visited the Gran Residencia to observe the program, noting that the participants are examples of integration who are working toward greater independence.