Nessebar council is a lead partner in an international Erasmus+ project to help adults with autism and intellectual disabilities learn job skills and find work, the council said. The funding is a full grant, and the council does not have to put in any money of its own.

The project is called "From Day Care to Employment: Building a Cross-Border Bridge for Autism". The money comes from Key Action KA210-ADU, "Cooperation Partnerships in Adult Education". Nessebar's partners are the Turkish municipality of Çorlu and TOBDESDER, an association that helps people with autism and special needs.

The project is for people over 18. It aims to give them better care, help them build their skills and find jobs. The partners will share experience to train specialists better and to bring in methods that work for including people in society and for supported employment.

First, Nessebar will host its Turkish partners on a study visit. The guests will see what social services the municipality offers and how the work is organised. A team from Nessebar will then travel to Çorlu to learn how people there support those in employment and guide them in real jobs.

Bulgaria and Turkey will hold joint seminars and training sessions, as well as online meetings. People with autism and intellectual disabilities will learn social and work skills at these events.

The partners will also write a practical guide in Bulgarian, Turkish and English. It will cover the whole path from day care to settling in at a workplace.

Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov says social support should offer more than care. It should also give people the chance to grow, be independent and take part in society. He says people with disabilities need a setting where they can really work and live with dignity. "Every person has abilities and potential that should be encouraged," Dimitrov said.

The council expects the project to make Nessebar an example of good social services at international level. It also expects local specialists to gain new tools for their work.

The partners will present their results and experience at a final conference. Representatives of other municipalities, non-governmental organisations, families and employers will attend.