About
The Sopotniki Institute is Slovenia’s leading non-governmental organization dedicated to improving mobility for the elderly. Established in 2014, it addresses the issue of inadequate public transportation in rural areas, which often leads to the social exclusion of older adults. By implementing an innovative volunteer-based transport model, the institute enables elderly individuals to access healthcare, social services, and other essential facilities, fostering their social inclusion.
The institute employs four staff members at its headquarters in Sežana, along with eleven project-based employees at partner organizations. It operates in 17 municipalities across Slovenia, organized into 14 operational units. With the support of more than 310 volunteers, it provides over 13,000 rides annually, ensuring mobility for more than 6,300 elderly users.
Beyond its core service of free transportation, the institute has developed several innovative programs, including “Benefits for the Elderly with Sopotniki,” “On the Road to Thousand Wishes,” the ToyotaGO mobile app, and the Pomagajmo.io platform.
Key services
• Free transportation for the elderly – A core mobility and companionship service for seniors in rural areas, organized through a network of volunteers.
• Benefits for the elderly with Sopotniki – A discount program for transportation users, offering reduced prices for services and products in the local community.
• A thousand wishes with transport – A program that fulfills personal wishes of the elderly (e.g., visiting the seaside for the first time, reconnecting with old friends).
• IT solutions for mobility – Development of supportive applications and platforms for mobility management, including ToyotaGO for on-demand rides.
• Intermodal transport – Integration of on-demand transport with public passenger transport.
Certificates
• Group award for outstanding work in the field of social welfare (2023)
• Status of a non-governmental organization in the public interest in the field of social welfare (2021)
• HR&M Award for Project of the Year 2021 for the program “Volunteers – the Heart of Sopotniki”
• Bronze Regional Award from the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce for the innovation Pomagajmo.io
• Finalist of the European Horizon Award for social innovation