Addressing life changes, whether expected or sudden, such as retirement, evolving family responsibilities, loss of a loved one, or reduced autonomy, the Impulse project focuses on prevention. Supported by Belgian and French partners, it aims to strengthen seniors' capacity to cope with daily challenges.
The goal is to provide tools and psychosocial skills for managing stress, maintaining positive relationships, seeking help, and preserving self-confidence. These skills are crucial protective factors for mental health.
The project operates on three main axes: destigmatizing mental health to change perceptions and remove barriers to discussion, training professionals and informal caregivers by the provincial college, and developing participatory local initiatives in pilot territories.
In the Province of Namur, the project will be implemented in the communes of Florennes, Philippeville, and Walcourt. An initial step will involve assessing existing initiatives and unmet needs to identify resources and concrete action plans.
Through Impulse, partners intend to establish a cross-border prevention ecosystem, strengthening local collaborations and promoting a positive approach to mental health for rural residents over 50.
