Tuesday, 26 January saw the first of the cycle of European webinars dedicated to sharing the work of the Hospitaller Order to promote social inclusion in its care facilities. These webinars were launched by the European Working Group on Social Inclusion, with the French Province as the first lead institution in this virtual exchange of experiences.

Although it was the first session, it attracted a large online attendance of over 80 Brothers and Co-workers from all the European Provinces of the Order, in addition to representatives of the Sisters Hospitallers who had been invited to follow the presentation as we share a similar charism and objectives. Brother Joaquim Erra (President of the Europe Commission) opened and moderated the webinar.

Together with the Provincial Superior, Brother Paul-Marie Taufana, and the Managing Director of the Saint John of God Foundation, Mr Pascal Duperray, the directors of the French social and health care facilities (in Paris, Marseille, Dinan and Le Croisic) illustrated the latest strategies being implemented to promote autonomy, social housing, home care and integrated care, and to make good use of the individual and collective abilities and skills of the guests and users of our services. Besides the examples illustrated in the webinar, the French Province is currently working on a more complete and comprehensive document which, when finalised, will be shared with the other Provinces to encourage a broader circulation of information and innovative experiences.

The next webinar will be dedicated to inclusive experiences in the Aragón Province (Tuesday, 23 February, 11 am -12.30 pm).