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Healthcare support at the Restos du Cœur of Belgium: A concrete commitment

April 2025

On the occasion of World Health Day, it is vital to highlight the healthcare support provided in the Restos du Cœur of Belgium or in cooperation with local partners. For several years now, these initiatives have been helping people in precarious situations by offering them access to healthcare, hygiene products, and compassionate advice and support.

Dedicated spaces have been created in certain Restos du Cœur for parents and their children in an effort to support parenting. At the Resto du Cœur of Charleroi, for example, a “parent-child” space is used to distribute nappies, infant formula, and childcare equipment, while facilitating contact with local ONE [Office of Birth and Childhood] consultations. At the Resto du Cœur of Liège, similar initiatives include workshops on vaccination and dental hygiene. Support for young people also extends to the Restos du Cœur of La Louvière, where hygiene kits are distributed every month to more than 70 children aged 0 to 16, containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, manicure kits, and other essential items.

Access to medical care is a priority. The Resto du Cœur of Liège boasts a medical dispensary thanks to the commitment of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who provide consultations and distribute medicines. At the Resto du Cœur of Wavre, a retired doctor offers free consultations to anyone in need of medical advice. 

Some Restos du Cœur are also developing partnerships with local medical facilities, such as in Mouscron, where an expanded range of healthcare is provided through cooperation with the medical centre of Dispens’air ASBL, a non-profit organisation.

Hygiene and well-being are also key concerns for the Restos du Cœur. Several Restos du Cœur provide shower facilities, such as in Marche and Liège, where a dedicated service is available every day of the week, with specific time slots for men and women. The Resto du Cœur of Quiévrain goes even further by offering a laundry and hygiene space where beneficiaries can care for their clothing under dignified conditions. Intimate hygiene is not overlooked either, with regular distributions of sanitary products, in particular at the Restos du Cœur of La Louvière and Val de Sambre.

Beyond medical care and hygiene, the physical and mental well-being of beneficiaries is also taken into account. The Resto du Cœur of Charleroi holds sessions in chair yoga, a gentle, accessible practice that helps strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stress and anxiety. Moreover, several Restos du Cœur, such as those in Gembloux and Val de Sambre, organise well-being days, offering hairdressing and facial care services. The Resto du Cœur of Liège also hosts a specialised podiatry service in partnership with the Herstal IPEFA [Provincial Institute of Higher Education and Training for Adults], offering tailored foot care for the most vulnerable individuals.

All these initiatives demonstrate the commitment of the Restos du Cœur of Belgium to provide people in precarious situations with access to healthcare and hygiene — essential elements for preserving their dignity and well-being. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and partners, these actions are being continually strengthened and developed to provide optimal advice and support those in need. Health is a fundamental right, so we will continue to take action to ensure that everyone can access it, whatever their difficulties.

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