Discover Les Garances Asbl, a place dedicated to mental health

CODE: BE-SCI 9.2

Description: Les Garances Asbl is a haven where the development and progress of adults living with a mental disability are at the heart of the project. Their vision consists of an adapted and caring environment that encourages the development of social roles within the community. Each resident finds a warm, friendly, human-scale place to live, where he or she can flourish thanks to a rich and varied educational program, offering activities based on permaculture, animal care, hippotherapy and much more. These shared and individual activities contribute to the residents’ personal development and strengthen their ties with the community.

Type of Work: Volunteers will be asked to take part in the day-to-day running of the centre with the residents: market gardening, looking after the animals (chickens, roosters, goats, pigs, canaries). They will set up various activities in collaboration with the staff: music workshops, board games, sports activities, etc. They will also be able to accompany the residents on the outdoor events organised by the centre, while being able to propose different activities based on their skills in relation to the culture to which they belong (artistic, manual) too. An intercultural meal is planned to introduce residents to the volunteers’ typical food, provided that the adapted kitchen is left in good condition for the following day's meals.

Study Theme: People with double psychological diagnosis and autism spectrum – Community life. The volunteers will participate to a training given by the staff members at the beginning of the project to learn more about the different kinds of disabilities and get familiar with the communication tools in order to be in relation with the residents.

Accommodation: Accommodation in collective rooms for 2 to 3 people located on 1st floor of one of the buildings of the place, separated from the residents. Volunteers may be present during lunch to help and share time with the residents, but they will eat separately during other meals.

Language: The language of the project is French (English among international volunteers). Even basic knowledge of French is essential to communicate with the residents (the residents do not speak English at all). Non-verbal communication is also very important for this project.

Requirements: Be respectful and be yourself. Interpersonal skills and the ability to empathize and connect with people. Some residents may have limited access to verbal communication, but the volunteers will quickly bond with them and have a very rewarding human experience.

Approximate Location: Orp-Jauche is a village in the province of Walloon Brabant not far from Hannut and Tirlemont. ‘Les Garances Asbl’ is located in a quiet, rural setting. ‘Les Garances Asbl is not accessible by public transport. Please inform the SCI Belgium coordinator of your arrival time at the nearest station (Landen station) well in advance. A shuttle bus will be provided to pick up the group and take them to the project site, and for the outdoor activities.

Notes: Additional fee: Many SCI camps will have an additional fee of €50.00. This will cover: local hosting costs; International Insurance costs for the volunteer; a small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects; SCI International administration costs.