Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Funding from the Flemish government allows for the continuation of the project
During the coronavirus pandemic, Ghent observed a surge in the need for psychological support among its most vulnerable citizens. To take better care of them, the Belgian city mobilized 50 health guides during the lockdown, who offered their ears at the front door, over the telephone or over chat. Now, thanks to funding from the Flemish government, the project can be continued, Gent informed on its website on Wednesday.
The so-called health guides working in Gent are trained volunteers who are familiar with the problems of vulnerable residents. Their job is to show them the way to health and welfare facilities, but sometimes to simply talk to them and give them friendly advice.
The City of Ghent has been working with health guides since 2019 when it engaged and provided quick training to about 20 guides. The latter have already guided a total of 250 people to the correct information or help.
However, with the lockdown and social isolation, it soon became clear that many more will need psychosocial support and health education. That is why more volunteers were temporarily recruited and trained in collaboration with the Centre for General Practice of Ghent University.
The volunteers went out to support people from door to door, but they also started working online. In six weeks, more than 350 conversations took place, both physically and digitally. The volunteers guided about 75 vulnerable people and families through this difficult period.
Now, thanks to project financing of around 200,000 euros from the Flemish government, the City of Ghent can further upgrade the initiative. The 20 permanent health guides will continue to work, and additional volunteers will be recruited to strengthen the team.
Moreover, many of these volunteers have themselves been in vulnerable groups, which helps them create a stronger bond with those they visit. Also, some of them speak foreign languages which brings significant added value for ethnic and cultural minority groups.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital