Have you heard of the term "multi-layered support system development project"? There have been systems to support various "problems" such as children, the elderly, disabilities, and poverty by field, but due to the diversification of lifestyles and changes in social structure, connections between people have become weaker, and integrated support across fields is needed for complex and multifaceted "problems." To achieve this, it is essential that various entities, including not only government agencies but also all kinds of local groups, organizations, companies, and local residents, connect and cooperate with each other. The platform that creates such "connections" is the Shibuya Ward Community Coexistence Support Center <Yui Shibuya>. Don't say, "Welfare has nothing to do with me!" Instead, try to get a feel for a world you don't know.

What is the "Multi-layered Support System Development Project"?

Shibuya Ward Community Coexistence Support Center Yui Shibuya will open in 2023 on the 9th floor of Shibuya Ward Cultural Center Owada. It was created as a platform to connect various local organizations involved in the "Multi-layered Support System Development Project." Why is the "Multi-layered Support System Development Project" necessary? This is because the consultation desks and support systems for people and households with problems vary depending on the field, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and children.

However, in reality, problems cannot be conveniently divided into categories. Sometimes problems overlap, such as "elderly parents supporting their disabled child's lifestyle" or "single-parent households are in financial difficulty and cannot afford to eat properly." In these cases, government services or one-off support may not be enough. Also, necessary support may not be provided due to reasons such as a reluctance to receive support itself or ignorance of the system itself.

To solve this problem, it is important for various organizations, groups, and individuals active in Shibuya Ward to connect across fields and deepen their understanding of the issues faced by people, households, and communities with complex and multifaceted problems. As a platform, Yui-Shibuya creates opportunities for groups to meet, learn from, and collaborate with each other, thereby revitalizing group activities and developing a community where everyone can live in peace. We would like to introduce this place, including a look at the "Yui-Shibuya 1st Anniversary Special Open Day" held in November 2024.

A graphic that summarises "What kind of place is Yui Shibuya?"

A place where local groups can drop in and interact.

Yui Shibuya is open from 10am to 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and registered groups can use the free space, exchange space, and multipurpose space. At first glance, the free space and exchange space look like a cafe or co-working space. It is actually quite rare to have a space like this that is specialized for use by local groups and that you can just drop in to carry out activities.

During the "1st Anniversary Special Open Day," members of visiting groups and organizations interacted and exchanged information in the free space.

"Yui Cafe" is held every Tuesday. The casual cafe-like atmosphere encourages lively interaction between the various groups.

The operation of Yui Shibuya is entrusted to the Shibuya Ward Social Welfare Council by Shibuya Ward. In addition to the local welfare coordinator from the Social Welfare Council who is well versed in the welfare issues within the ward, there is also a community manager on-site. Two NPOs, Certified NPO Service Grant and NPO Tannely, are in charge of the community managers on different days of the week. Yui Shibuya provides advice to organizations regarding any problems they may have, and also supports connecting organizations with each other. They also accept consultations from individuals regarding starting an organization.

Individuals who sympathize with Yui Shibuya will also have the opportunity to participate.

The multi-purpose space can be used by registered organizations for meetings, seminars and study groups. Events planned by Yui Shibuya are also held here. In the past, they have held events to help revitalize the activities of organizations, such as "Creating PR videos using Canva," "Events to find locations for activities in Shibuya," and "Workshops to solve financial issues related to organization management," as well as regularly holding "Yui Shibuya Lectures & Exchange Meetings," a place to learn about the current situation and issues related to welfare. Some events are open to individuals, not just registered organizations.

At the "1st Anniversary Special Open Day," a cross-talk was held between four organizations working to create various spaces in Shibuya Ward, with the common theme of "a place to belong." The organizations work with different targets, such as "children," "parents and children together," "people who find life difficult," and "people with early-onset dementia and their families," but when they focused on the point of "a place to belong," they all shared common keywords, such as "you can come and go whenever you want," and "you don't have to force yourself to talk about yourself."

Yui Shibuya can truly be called a "place to be" for the members of the group.

Another way individuals can connect with Yui Shibuya is through pro bono participation. Pro bono involves using work knowledge and experience to support organizations working to solve social issues. Organizations that register with Yui Shibuya are non-profit, and often lack human and financial resources. Receiving pro bono support revitalizes their activities and broadens the scope of support. Yui Shibuya has led to the realization of pro bono collaborations at numerous organizations.

Nakahara from R5m, a general incorporated association that runs the free school "Minna no Project School," encountered pro bono through Yui Shibuya, and was able to support the renewal of the website.

"Connections" can eventually help you too!

Initiatives that would be difficult for a single organization to implement can sometimes be realized by connecting several organizations and exchanging information. Also, as organizations form connections, they may realize that "we can't provide support, but that organization can." Connecting with other organizations involved in support can help local residents who are experiencing problems.

A "Connection Card" can be filled out by organizations that visit Yui Shibuya. In addition to the details of their activities, they can write down "what they're good at/what they can help with," "what they're worried about," "what they're interested in/organizations they'd like to connect with," and other such things. Individuals or organizations who see the card may contact them and say, "Let's connect!"

At the "1st Anniversary Special Open Day," there was an exhibition of "Connection Cards" and introductions to organizations. It was clear that a wide variety of organizations were working to solve "problems." Universities with campuses in the ward are also connected to Yui Shibuya, and there are increasing cases of students participating in local activities.

Even if you say you're not currently in trouble, there will always be times in your life when you run into trouble. When my elderly parents fell ill and I was at my wit's end, I remembered the Welfare Advice Center Branch that I learned about at Yui Shibuya, and was able to get the right advice. It certainly won't be a negative thing to know what kind of support is available, assuming that you will be the one receiving support. If you've never had any experience with it before, it may seem like a high hurdle, but I hope you'll remember that there is a place called Yui Shibuya that can serve as a starting point.

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Haruka Furukawa (tannely)

Haruka Furukawa (tannely)

Lived in Shibuya Ward for about 20 years. She also works as a writer for women's magazines, childcare magazines, etc. I would like to share information from the perspective of a mom living in Shibuya.