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“The Restos du Cœur are so much more than a food bank!”

November 2024

At the Restos du Cœur of Belgium, meals and food parcels are just one aspect of a much broader mission. At the heart of this mission, there is a team of dedicated professionals – social workers – who work with the beneficiaries to help them regain their dignity and independence. This is where the role of a social worker comes into its own. Today, we are highlighting the experiences of one particular beneficiary (Sophie, not her real name) and Olivier, a former trainee at the Resto du Cœur, who is now a CPAS social worker.

The Restos du Cœur organisation does a lot more than provide aid.

Sophie came to the Restos du Cœur at a particularly difficult time in her life, marked by domestic abuse. In her own words, she emphasises the importance of the support she found there:

“I was exhausted and lost when I came to the Resto du Cœur after being a victim of domestic abuse. Olivier and the team were compassionate, gentle and diligent, helping me to complete the process of applying for social housing and other support available for me and my particular circumstances. As I didn’t have the IT equipment required, I wasn’t able to fill in these documents on my own. Olivier didn’t think twice about spending 6 hours, then another 5, helping me fill in the forms and get things done. In this world, where comforting words are sometimes empty, he demonstrated true humanity. Thanks to him, I was able to find hope and rebuild my life.”

A moral and human support

This support is backed up by the hard work and dedication of social workers like Olivier, who, despite a considerable workload, continue to give so much time and energy to the cause. Their role goes well beyond helping with paperwork: it also involves moral and human support. Olivier tells us about his experience with Sophie, giving us an insight into his daily life:

“It was a busy Wednesday, as is often the case at the Resto du Cœur, when she came in for the first time. She didn’t know about the services offered by the Resto, but an acquaintance had advised her to meet our social worker. Her story is the same as many others: she had just escaped an abusive situation and was looking for advice and support. As the meetings progressed, we began the process of finding accommodation together. We had some emotional moments, particularly when faced with the complications of her status as a cohabitee, which limited her access to benefits. She demonstrated courage and perseverance. After many hours of searching and support, she was able to find a new home in the private sector. She should be very proud of what she has achieved. At Restos du Cœur, we help people to regain their independence, sometimes without having to rely on food aid. Because here, we are much more than a food bank.”

These stories show just how vital the role of social workers is in the lives of those who benefit from the work of the Restos du Cœur. Above and beyond practical help, they also offer human support, care and respect, helping people to regain their self-confidence and make a fresh start. For those who have found a sympathetic ear and invaluable advice, like Sophie, the Restos du Cœur organisation embodies true solidarity day in, day out.