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Base de données des projets PDR

Innovative Care Facilities for the Disabled in Rural Holland

Summary

A care facility, in a small rural community, allows residents with slight mental disability to integrate, yet live quite independently. Specially designed buildings, support services & an association of parents all help to make this work for everyone

Background

Foxhol is a small rural village of around 1,000 inhabitants. It is quite a closed community, with relatively high unemployment. The Foxheed Housing and Care Facility project was conceived as part of a broader local development plan, designed to stimulate social and physical development in the village. The main targets were young adults, with slight mental disabilities, wanting to be more connected to their community.

Objective

The main objectives of the Foxheerd project were: to create a living space for 12 young disabled citizens, allowing them to live independently and participating actively in rural community life; to promote integration & build community cohesion; to provide much-needed employment in Foxhol; and to provide a platform for the development of other, similar initiatives in other areas.

Main activities

The main activities planned and undertaken to achieve the project objectives were: building a circular complex with apartments around a common courtyard to stimulate social life of the residents and discourage social isolation; construction of a meeting point, which provides a common space for social interaction, not only for residents but for the whole community; construction of an additional small office for the professional support team.

Results & Benefits

Provision of housing suitable for the residents' capacities & able to ensure them a more independent life was the key result. The residents and the association of their parents initiated the project (an innovative element in the Dutch context where care facilities are provided mainly by professional organisations). Its realisation required interaction with the local community, stimulating participation & social cohesion within the community itself. The project created new jobs for local people.

Lessons learnt

Appointment of an independent chairperson for the association helped to ensure a good balance with the the residents' parents, who are naturally closely emotionally involved in the project. It is important - but also takes a lot of skill - to involve the residents with the design and implementation of such a plan. Securing external business and project development support helps reducing the number of "unpleasant project implementation surprises".

Project location and other information

Foxheerd Housing and Care Facility Foxhol Netherlands

Region

Groningen

RDP Territory

Netherlands

Total project cost (€)

328 411

EAFRD contribution (€)

65 000

National contribution (€)

91 000

Private contribution (€)

172 411

Project website

Contact name

Joke Mensinga

Languages for contact

Dutch

At a glance

Country

Netherlands

Final beneficiary type

Non-governmental organisations

Budget range

€100 000 - €500 000

Start date:

01/06/2008

End Date:

01/01/2009

Theme / Measure:

• Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
• Improving quality of life in rural areas
• 321. Basic services for the economy and rural population

Keywords:

Social inclusion, Social services, Disadvantaged people, Employment, Young people

Last update

30/10/2013