Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been recognised at the national Migradmi 2026 conference in Lanzarote for its initiative, the “Service of Interpretation – Linguistic Mediation in Municipal Social Services.” This effort enhances access to important information and public resources for those who are not fluent in Spanish, while also equipping social service professionals with specialised tools to improve their interventions.
The initiative addresses a crucial aspect of social work: ensuring individuals can understand the information they receive and clearly communicate their situations, needs, and circumstances. Launched as a pilot project in 2022 and expanded in 2025, it received a municipal contract worth €12,500 for five years.
Interpreting services are available in person, including bilateral and whisper interpreting for small groups, as well as, in exceptional cases, telephone interpreting. The most commonly requested languages include Ukrainian, Russian, Chinese, Wolof, Arabic, and English, alongside German, Portuguese, French, Romanian, and Polish. In 2025, sessions were also conducted in Fula and Hungarian.
The service establishes qualification requirements for interpreters, emphasising specific training in fields like social services, healthcare, education, justice, and domestic violence.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez expressed pride in this recognition, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers for accessing public resources. He stated, “Cultural diversity is part of our city, and it is our responsibility to ensure it is accompanied by equality of opportunity, rights, and access to public services.”
Charín González, the councillor for Social Policies, noted that the linguistic mediation service has enhanced communication and trust between families and professionals, making social interventions more precise and effective.
The service is currently available at municipal offices in Añaza, Barranco Grande, Los Gladiolos, Ofra, La Salud, Centro, and San Andrés, and can also be provided at home or nearby when necessary.
