Abstract
Background: The project Broad view on health using Positive Health aims to enable more quality of life for vulnerable citizens by making them reflect on their health in the broad sense of the word and encouraging them to take an active role. A bridge is built between citizens, health and welfare organisations and local governments to work together and address the detected needs.
Approach: An initial design of the project was developed with three core partners, De Koepel vzw, healthfund organisations and local authorities.
Local partners were brought together to further shape the trajectory. Organisations working with vulnerable people (e.g. people with a migration background, financial difficulties, psychosocial vulnerabilities ...) were identified, approached and invited to participate in the project. Although these groups have a crucial vision of their living environment, they are often forgotten in policy-making.
Practically, two talk-sessions per group were organised. During these sessions, the methodology of ‘Positive Health’ was used. It focuses on mental well-being, meaning, quality of life, participation, daily functioning and vital functions. The starting point is the people themselves and the things that make life valuable to them. It is an added value that an organizational support person also joins the talk-sessions to create a safe environment for the participants.
From the talking sessions, action points are formulated bottom-up and personalised and afterwards put into action sheets. These were communicated to the three core partners and to the local partners. This allowed them to jointly develop policy interventions that would improve the health and well-being of these vulnerable groups and thus involve them more in decision-making. The involvement of all these parties was central throughout the project.
Results: During the two pilotprojects (2021-2024), we reached 107 vulnerable people. There was collaboration with 18 organisations that came together in 22 talk-sessions. This resulted in 13 action sheets that were handed over to local governments, partners from care and welfare and the participating organisations.
The major results of the project are identifying gaps around the health of vulnerable people, stimulating social cohesion and connecting local partners.
By taking a broad approach to health, we encouraged all participants (citizens and professionals) to see health as more than sick/not sick.
Implications: Our conclusion is clear: citizens, especially those in a vulnerable position, want to be involved in local health policy and like to think about possible solutions. Sincere listening is essential here.
Besides the involvement of all partners, some key figures are also crucial: a facilitator from the local government, a confidant from the organisations and a bridge builder who has a broad overview and insight into the social map.
In order to have a successful process, a bridge needs to be built between different partners. Citizens are therefore seen as equal partners.
Meanwhile, the project was also made sustainable. A roadmap was developed that local authorities can use to get started themselves with the support of the healthfund organisations in West-Flanders.
Key words: integrated care – equal partnership - health policy - vulnerability