More than 120 activities under the theme Avec vous, pour vous! (With you, for you!) will be on offer in Wallonia and Brussels for carers from 2 to 8 October as part of the week dedicated to them, the Aidants Proches associations announced on Wednesday.
Movie debates, dances, nature walks, relaxation sessions and discussion groups will all be on offer to mark the initiative's 10th anniversary. The activities, most of which are free of charge, all have one thing in common: they offer a moment of respite, exchange and reflection to people who care for those suffering from a loss of physical or mental autonomy due to age, disability or illness.
"All too often, [the carers'] selfless work has an impact on their health, social life and professional life," explain the three sister ASBLs Aidants Proches Wallonie, Aidants Proches Bruxelles and Jeunes & Aidants Proches. "The many activities organised for the week are therefore also aimed at raising awareness of the importance of also taking care of themselves, so that they 'hold out' over the long term."
The initiative offers "precious moments of relaxation and listening," while also helping them to "feel less alone, to support each other and to share their experiences," adds the director of the Walloon ASBL, Maxime Delaite.
According to a 2018 study by the Sciensano Public Health Institute, 12.2% of the Belgian population (aged 15 or over) provides help or care at least once a week in the country. The percentage of informal carers is higher among women (14.2%) than men (10.1%) and peaks in the 55-64 age group (21.9%).
The full list of activities on offer can be found here.
