During the entire month of October, sayings are appearing on the windows of various organizations in Lendelede, including businesses, schools, and residential care centers. This initiative is a collaborative effort by eight municipalities, working with Gezondheidsmakers. It is part of the broader Flemish campaign Samen Veerkrachtig (Together Resilient), which focuses on raising awareness about mental well-being and breaking associated taboos.
Organizers hope these 'small messages' will bring a smile to passersby and encourage reflection on their own well-being and that of those around them. According to Axelle Vercruysse and Marie-Michèle Vandekerckhove, inter-municipal prevention workers at Gezondheidsmakers, a saying can be the start of a conversation about difficult times that many people experience but do not always discuss openly.
This year's central theme is 'Being well-surrounded.' This concept encompasses not only having people around you but also feeling genuinely connected to them. A listening ear, a friendly neighbor, or a colleague asking how you are can make a significant difference to mental well-being.
When a conversation with family, friends, or colleagues is not enough, residents can turn to their general practitioner or a local first-line psychologist. Information on finding a psychologist is available via www.elpen.be.
The Samen Veerkrachtig campaign is an initiative by Gezondheidsmakers, Te Gek!?, and the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living (Vlaams Instituut Gezond Leven), with support from the Flemish Government. The coordination of the action was managed by the inter-municipal prevention workers of Gezondheidsmakers, who operate in the Westhoek and Midwest regions.
