Social enterprise helps people with mental disabilities enter the job market

Anxiety when climbing the stairs – a seemingly trivial barrier that prevents many people with mental disabilities from even attending a job interview. Inese Raisa-Reisa, who has long experience working with this group, helps overcome such barriers daily. She joined the social enterprise "Ligero" a year ago when it launched a mentoring movement to support people with mental disabilities in working in shops.

Initially, the mentor group had 11 people, but now there are over 20. Interest from job seekers has grown rapidly, forming a long queue. "Almost every day I get a call from a mother or a social worker asking me to take someone on," says Inese. Demand is not limited to Riga – people also come from Mālpils and Sigulda.

Inese emphasizes that mental disorders do not necessarily mean a disability certificate and are not visible from a distance. Many of these individuals have higher education and active hobbies, but have not yet managed to gain work experience. The company's approach is different – they greet everyone at work and create an inclusive environment that helps overcome obstacles.