From dialogue to solution: ‘Dipa’ working group develops inclusive palliative care for Brussels
EVA bxl and partners are launching a new initiative for inclusive palliative care, facilitating Brussels residents with incurable illnesses to access appropriate care in the last phase of life. The development is supported by Fabruka.
The Dipa working group met one last time in December. The partners worked for a whole day to analyze the needs of people who are palliative and their loved ones. This was based on the many interviews, workshops and a pop-up. Many needs were detected in Brussels, such asbetter coordination and continuity in care processes, attention to culturally and spiritually sensitive care, respect for autonomy and clear information. Access to a general practitioner is not evident for everyone. That is precisely where palliative care starts. In addition, there is a strong demand for listening contact, informal care support, and volunteer networks.
Based on the needs analysis, we set to work on a solution model: a form of community care center embedded in a neighborhood from which a diverse volunteer team including street workers work outreach to proactively disseminate the much information that exists today in an inclusive way tailored to residents. It is also a physically accessible place where residents and healthcare professionals can go for questions, training and information sessions. Specific attention is given to sick children and their environment.
In 2026, this solution will be further refined and tested in a Brussels neighborhood.