OPENCARE Project

Background and general objectives

The overall aim of the OpenCare initiative is to address gender stereotypes by encouraging the involvement of men in formal long-term care (LTC) work. This not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to increasing the availability of LTC services by responding to the current shortage of care staff. Tackling this shortage is essential for supporting work-life balance for both men and women.

OpenCare seeks to challenge the barriers men face in accessing and staying in LTC roles, while actively working to make the sector more inclusive and representative.

Mission

To promote gender-inclusive caregiving professions by addressing stereotypes and stigma around male carers, while contributing to workforce sustainability in the long-term care sector across Europe.

Specific Objectives

  • Challenge stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination related to male carers.
  • Encourage and support men in pursuing and remaining in long-term care careers.
  • Help address the workforce shortage in the LTC sector.
  • Contribute to gender equality and improved work-life balance.
  • Raise awareness through tools and resources that support inclusive recruitment in care.

Consortium set-up

The OpenCare project brings together a transnational consortium of six organizations from five European countries, each with expertise in social innovation, care, and inclusion:

Coordinator

Anziani e non solo, Italy

Partners

AFEJI, France

Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus

Aproximar, Portugal

European Association for Social Innovation, Romania

The Portuguese Association for Diversity and Inclusion (APPDI), Portugal

Concept and methodology

OpenCare is built on the premise that increasing male participation in care work requires more than recruitment—it demands cultural and structural change. The project will combine research, awareness, education, and practical support tools.

Methodology includes:

  • A European study and whitepaper on male carers and gendered stereotypes
  • Development of the OpenCare methodology
  • Awareness workshops and a guide to breaking stereotypes
  • A practical toolkit to help open LTC careers to men
  • Activities will be implemented through a collaborative and participatory approach across the partner countries.

Project Team

The project is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, practitioners, educators, and policy experts from the fields of social care, gender equality, and workforce development. Each partner contributes national insight and practical experience to support transnational learning and local adaptation.

Work Packages (WPs)

WP1: Research & Whitepaper

  • Investigate the stereotypes and stigma around male carers
  • Produce a European whitepaper summarizing findings

WP2: Methodology Development

  • Design the OpenCare methodology based on research results

WP3: Awareness and Education

  • Develop workshop materials and an Awareness Guide
  • Engage stakeholders through training and awareness events

WP4: Career Support Toolkit

  • Create a toolkit to promote male recruitment and career entry in LTC
  • Include guidance for employers, training centers, and job seekers

WP5: Communication and Dissemination

  • Share outcomes through digital platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn)
  • Promote public and institutional awareness across Europe

Project Impact

The project aims to:

  • Reduce stigma and barriers for male carers
  • Increase the number of men entering and remaining in the LTC workforce
  • Promote work-life balance through expanded care availability
  • Encourage systemic change through awareness and training
  • Equip institutions and employers with tools to foster inclusivity

Expected Results:

  • A European whitepaper on gender stereotypes in LTC
  • OpenCare methodology for inclusive recruitment
  • Awareness Guide and training materials
  • Toolkit for supporting male careers in care

Contact

Tsitsi Theologia

theologia.tsitsi@cut.ac.cy

Duration

01/01/2025 – 31/12/2026 (24 months)

News

Δελτία Τύπου

Newsletters

 

Get Involved!

Want to follow the project, use our materials, or join an event?
We’d love to hear from you!

➡️ Contact your country’s partner: Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)

Tsitsi Theologia (Scientific Coordinator)

theologia.tsitsi@cut.ac.cy

➡️ Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
 

 

Get Involved!

Want to follow the project, use our materials, or join an event?
We’d love to hear from you!

➡️ Contact your country’s partner: Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)

Tsitsi Theologia (Scientific Coordinator)

theologia.tsitsi@cut.ac.cy

➡️ Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
 

ΑΝΑΖΗΤΗΣΗ ΠΡΟΣΩΠΙΚΟΥ


ΧΑΡΤΕΣ

ΧΡΗΣΙΜΟΙ ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΙ

ΣΤΟΙΧΕΙΑ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ

ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ

Αρχ. Κυπριανού 30
3036 Λεμεσός

2500 2500

2500 2750

administration@cut.ac.cy