The objectives of this project are, first and foremost, to connect with other social workers, explore different approaches, and learn from diverse practices. Keeping in mind the significance of each individual's local context in the provision of social work, we aimed to discover new ideas and methods by observing practices elsewhere. Experiencing different work realities and approaches allows for a critical evaluation of one's own work and organization. In a second phase, these journeys also provided an opportunity to strengthen team bonds, allowing colleagues to come together for a week away from the office and usual work settings. This fosters new connections and dynamics within our organization.
The Charleroi Social Relay is a public law association established in accordance with Chapter XII of the Organic Law of July 8, 1976, on Public Social Welfare Centers. (Centres Publics d'Aide Sociale) It is a network of public and associative operators working to assist populations facing acute social precarity in the Charleroi region. These initiatives target individuals without fixed abode, homeless or inadequately housed individuals, street residents, drug users, and individuals involved in prostitution. The objectives of a Social Relay are defined in the Walloon Decree of July 17, 2003, regarding social integration (Chapter 1, Article 4) and are shared among all Social Relays in Wallonia. Through this project, we aim to enhance the quality of our Housing First services by facilitating interactions with teams from other countries. This provides an opportunity for fruitful discussions and the exchange of best practices.