In 2025, L’Olivera, together with the COCEDER network and with funding from the European Social Fund Plus, launched the pilot project “Inclusive Communities” in Vallbona de les Monges. The aim of the initiative is to experiment with the creation, regeneration and maintenance of welcoming and inclusive communities as a key instrument for demographic, economic and social recovery, and as a solution for strengthening rural territorial cohesion and social inclusion.

“We started the project in February 2025. During April, through questionnaires, we were already able to confirm the reality experienced by people in the village, as well as the areas for improvement needed to generate greater inclusion,” explains the project’s technician, Martí Monfort. Once the key local stakeholders had been identified, fieldwork carried out through meetings, gatherings and presentations made it possible to analyse the dynamics established among residents, as well as the existing groups and associations.

“Strengthening joint work with the Town Council has been essential, so they could provide their perspective, as well as their support, cooperation and the cohesion this project needs to promote the changes identified to reinforce community inclusiveness,” adds Monfort.

Following this initial assessment process, a calendar of activities has been promoted with the aim of reinforcing a sense of belonging and the social and emotional well-being of all members of the community.

The project will continue throughout 2026 with new activity proposals and ongoing networking with key community stakeholders, both individuals and groups, public and private.

The objective of this pilot project is to define and test new models of community-based social intervention and new professional profiles dedicated to this field, in order to propose their inclusion in the public portfolio of social services, taking into account and valuing the specific characteristics of rural territories.