Name: Fondazione Coesione Sociale

Link: www.fondazionecoesionesociale.it

Sector: Social

Location: Lucca, Italy

Description: We make digital products. We design them, we make different systems interact with each other, translate them into user-friendly interfaces and communicate them. Each of these activities is linked by a common thread: a method that unites and integrates creativity and technology in every project.

Context

According to the data from the ISTAT 2025 Report “La situazione del paese”, in 2024, 9.9% of the population in Italy (about 6 million people) had to give up healthcare services considered necessary, such as specialist visits and diagnostic tests. There are two main factors behind this renunciation: primarily (for 6.8% of the population) the length of waiting lists, and the high cost of services, which 5.3% of the population cannot afford. The objective of this FCS project is therefore to promote a systemic territorial action to counter health poverty and inequalities in access to visits and care. FCS has developed the web app “Almeno, widespread solidarity against health poverty,” which can be accessed only by operators/volunteers from third sector entities (ETS) that deal with marginalization (e.g., listening centers). The app contains a catalog of free healthcare services offered by other ETS (e.g., free preventive check-ups, free dental services, social transport to healthcare facilities, etc.). Without this catalog, many services offered in the area as an alternative to the national health service remain little known. The operators/volunteers who deal with marginalization can identify needs and, through the “Almeno” web app, direct people toward the most appropriate healthcare service, geographically closest to the user in need, by printing the service sheet or sending it via email or WhatsApp. Each service sheet contains a set of information: name of the entity, name and description of the service, service location, geographic area and Google Maps link, opening hours, booking methods, name and contacts of the service’s contact person. The data on the services were collected through questionnaires created by FCS and administered via link or phone calls. The data were then transferred from the Excel data matrix to the web app. The web app is almost ready, and the access credentials will be delivered to the ETS dealing with marginalization in January/February 2026. However, the mapping of healthcare entities is not yet complete; therefore, it is expected and hoped that many healthcare entities in the area will add their services to the catalog in the coming months.

Challenge

Operators and volunteers working with people in vulnerable situations could struggle to navigate and provide effective support when using the Almeno web app, especially when they need to:
● find logistical information (e.g., how to reach a healthcare service using public transport);
● combine multiple services (e.g., transport plus healthcare service);
● guide users with low literacy levels or limited digital skills through the use of the platform;
● answer questions about healthcare procedures, regulations, or access to services.
Therefore, there is a need for a digital facilitation that can help them fulfil their role as intermediaries between citizens in need and free or solidarity-based healthcare services, improving both accessibility and the effectiveness of the support network created by FCS.

Optional/Possible Guidelines

Develop a “facilitator” chatbot or another tool capable of providing information and insights to operators/volunteers on the complex topic of health poverty.

Main SDGs associated

SDG 1 – End poverty in all its forms everywhere
reducing health-related poverty by helping vulnerable people access free or low-cost healthcare services.

SDG 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Because it aims to promote inclusive and cross-cultural collaboration among educators from different countries and systems.

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Ensuring that people facing economic or digital barriers can benefit from equitable healthcare opportunities