Our approach
An approach to ageing better
Our approach
1. Identify and select
be.Source identifies organisations working on the ground and projects that address the needs of isolated and/or vulnerable older people and align with its solidarity priorities.
2. Support and assist
The Foundation provides financial support, notably through fundraising and donations, and assists projects in their development.
3. Connect and bring together
Through its HUB, be.Source brings its partners together and encourages the sharing of expertise, training, collaboration and synergies.
4. Understand and evaluate
be.Source examines the challenges related to ageing and evaluates the effects of the initiatives it supports in order to better understand the needs of older people, objectively assess the impact of these initiatives and continuously develop its approach.
Our impact
A tangible impact on the most vulnerable older people
Beyond the support it provides to its partners, be.Source is committed to evaluating and better understanding the effects of the actions carried out in the field. Its first social impact assessment, conducted among 602 isolated and/or vulnerable older people supported by 7 partner organisations, now makes it possible to document the concrete effects of the initiatives supported on their quality of life.
92% of the older people surveyed say that the actions of be.Source’s partners improve their well-being.
These results take on their full meaning when considered in light of the realities experienced by the people surveyed:
67% live alone at home
Nearly 40% receive fewer than six visits per year
28% are experiencing a loss of independence
This assessment enables the Foundation to better understand the effects of the initiatives it supports, identify promising practices and, together with its partners, strengthen the actions that best address the needs of older people, particularly in terms of social connection, independence and quality of life.
Solidarity Pillars
Social inclusion
Through the creation of companionship duos, home visits, group activities and leisure opportunities, as well as the availability of nearby community spaces, this pillar supports all forms of social engagement that help older people protect themselves from social isolation, strengthen their sense of belonging, foster emotional and social bonds, interact with those around them, and participate actively in community life.
Autonomy
Through accessible transport, digital autonomy, access to culture, psychosocial support, or home help, this pillar addresses all the elements that enable older people to maintain their independence in everyday activities, exercise control over their life choices, and manage their environment.
Personal fulfillment
Through actions such as sharing expertise, citizen participation, intellectual development, and any activity that brings joy to life, this pillar encompasses all the elements that enable older people to flourish — by developing their knowledge, sharing their experience, and engaging in meaningful projects that strengthen self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose.
Coordination and Synergy HUB
Objectives
Created in 2016 by be.Source, the HUB is a platform for exchange, reflection and training that brings together the Foundation’s partner associations and institutions. Led and funded by be.Source, its aim is to foster synergies, strengthen the skills of the various professionals within our network and better address the needs of vulnerable older people.
Through regular meetings, the HUB provides opportunities to share experiences from the field, develop joint initiatives and identify priority needs in terms of support for isolated and/or vulnerable older people.
Initiatives developed within the HUB
Trainings
Provide training to field actors to enhance their skills for the benefit of older people.
HUB meetings
Collective brainstorming groups with partners on aging-related challenges and synergy projects.
Volunteers Evening
Friendly gatherings to strengthen HUB connections and thank volunteers for their work.
Lunchdatings
Friendly meals to strengthen connections among partners and share experiences.
Structural Projects Supported by be.Source
Understand and evaluate to act more effectively
Understanding the challenges of ageing
Silver Empowerment
A research initiative led by be.Source in partnership with HIVA KU Leuven to better understand the realities of ageing, particularly the psychosocial dimensions affecting older people in vulnerable situations. Through the academic chair “Empowerment of Underprivileged Elderly”, funded by be.Source, Silver Empowerment explores how to strengthen their autonomy, their connection to society and their quality of life, while contributing to a more positive view of ageing and greater solidarity.
Evaluating the effects of action
Impact Assessment
An evaluation initiative launched and funded by be.Source, coordinated by SAW-B and conducted with seven partner organisations, to measure the concrete effects of their actions on the quality of life of vulnerable and/or isolated older people. Based on the experiences of 602 older people and a methodology combining quantitative data with qualitative testimonies, this study provides a better understanding of the impact of the initiatives supported and draws lessons to guide and strengthen the actions of the Foundation and its partners.