SkillUp

We are proud to announce that the SkillUp Programme within Aġenzija Sapport has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Disability and Accessibility in Social Services category of the European Social Services Awards 2026, organised by the European Social Network.

Our project, SkillUp, was recognised for providing persons with disabilities with essential life and employability skills, while supporting them to participate actively in their communities.

Now it’s over to the public: voting is open from 30 September to 26 October 2026, and every vote helps us bring recognition to this work and the people it supports.

Cast your vote for us on the official website, and share this with your own network to help spread the word.

Follow the following steps to vote:

1. Click this website link of the European Social Services Awards
2. Enter your email address
3. Tick the consent box
4. Click Verify
5. You will receive an email. From that email, click here
6. A new window will open
7. Scroll down to Category 8: Disability and Accessibility in Social Services Award
8.  and select SkillUp – Supporting Persons with Disabilities to Live Independently
9. Click Lock in Vote

Only 1 vote per person is allowed.

Voting deadline 26th October 2026

(SkillUp is also shortlisted for the Headline Jury Award for Social Inclusion. This category is not open for public voting.)

Winners will be announced at the European Social Services Awards Ceremony on 19th of November in Rome, Italy.

The SkillUp Unit offers programmes designed to support persons with disabilities, aiming to enhance their quality of life and promote their inclusion in all aspects of society.

The SkillUp Unit is built on four key pillars, forming the foundation for a comprehensive approach to disability support. These pillars ensure that persons with disabilities receive the necessary assistance and resources to achieve greater independence, active participation, and overall well-being.

Assessments

Before enrolling in any of the programmes, persons with disabilities will undergo a process, including an assessment, a separate meeting with the parents / guardians, and a trial period. This period is important to evaluate the functional abilities, learning styles, social skills, emotional and behavioural responses, independence, and other factors. The goal is to determine the individual’s eligibility and identify the most suitable programme for their needs.

Click this link for the SkillUp information leaflet

Click this link for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on this service

The Way to Work Programme is designed to help persons with disabilities better prepare for skills related to employment. This comprehensive programme combines informative group sessions and hands-on training to enhance participants’ employability skills.

Key components of the programme include:

• CV writing and job application skills
• job search techniques
• bus training (to assist with travel to and from work)
• financial management (money management: budgeting and managing wages)
• time management

Participants will also engage in practical job related workshops, explore various job options, and gain first-hand exposure through site visits to different workplaces, helping them understand the diverse career paths available.

Duration

Six months – Group training

Eligibility

Persons with disabilities who:

• are 16 years to 40 years old (the person can be referred up to six months prior to turning 16 years of age).
• are only receiving the Disability Assistance or the Severe Disability Assistance from Social Security (persons receiving the Increased Severe Disability Assistance are not eligible to apply for this programme).
• have the potential to seek employment and becoming employed.
• are available to attend the programme four times a week in the morning.

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• The Way to Work Programme was awarded 3rd place in the Best Non-formal and Community Learning for Adults category of the EPALE Awards 2025.

• The Way to Work Programme was shortlisted for the Zero Project Call for Nominations 2024!

The Self-Skills Programme provides personalised support to persons with disabilities looking to develop essential life skills. Through one-to-one training sessions, participants will receive tailored guidance to meet their specific needs and personal goals. The programme duration is flexible, ranging from a minimum of one month to a maximum of six months, depending on the individual’s progress and requirements.

Duration

One to six months – One-to-one sessions

Eligibility

Persons with disabilities who:

• are 16 years to 50 years (the person can be referred up to six months prior to turning 16 years
• of age).
• are receiving any form of Disability Assistance from Social Security.
• do not attend a centre within the Day Services.

The Skills4Life Programme is aimed to develop the essential life skills to support and assist the participants to live a more independent life. Through hands-on training and workshops,  participants will enhance personal skills such as:

• communication
• cooking skills
• household chores
• personal hygiene
• building relationships, boundaries and respect towards yourself
• money management and time management

These skills are vital for everyday life and aim to foster greater independence and confidence in daily activities.

Duration

Three months – Group training

Eligibility

Persons with disabilities who:

• are 16 years to 50 years old (the person can be referred up to six months prior to turning 16 years of age).
• may be receiving any form of Disability Assistance from Social Security.
• are available to attend the programme four times a week.

The SkillUp Awareness Programme offers informative sessions aimed at raising awareness about the various services and opportunities available through the SkillUp Unit. These sessions are designed to provide educators, parents, and professionals with valuable insights into the resources and support options available to persons with disabilities, ensuring they are better informed about how to assist and advocate for their needs.

Who can benefit

• educational institutions
• parents / guardians / relatives
• professionals of Aġenzija Sapport
• professionals from government entities
• professionals from the private sector
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)