Project

Sustainable implementation of an accessible and scientifically substantiated support package for local governments and care councils to integrate serious illness, dying, and grieving in their local social policy and multi-year plans

Code
BOF/MVF/202502/013
Duration
01 June 2025 → 31 May 2026
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Social sciences
    • Health policy
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Health and community service
    • Palliative care and end-of-life care
Keywords
compassionate communities social policy death and dying grief
 
Project description
This project aims to valorize the FWO-SBO CAPACITY studies on the development and evaluation of 'compassionate' cities and neighborhood initiatives. We are developing and implementing an accessible and scientifically substantiated support package for local governments and care councils, with the goal of enhancing their knowledge, motivation, and skills in initiating policy initiatives and actions related to serious illness, dying, and grieving.  The project comprises three work packages:  1. Co-creative Development: In collaboration with stakeholders, we will develop the support package based on recommendations and insights from the CAPACITY studies.  2. Pilot Phase and Optimization: We will test the package in two Flemish primary care zones and refine it based on practical experiences.  3. Dissemination and Sustainable Implementation: We will ensure widespread dissemination of the support package through relevant partners and appropriate channels, aiming for its long-term availability and integration within local governments and care councils.  Our objective is to create a user-friendly package that effectively supports local governments and care councils in integrating themes such as serious illness, dying, and grieving into their local social policies and multi-annual plans. By doing so, the project contributes to the well-being and quality of life of individuals facing these challenges, emphasizing support from their municipality and neighborhood—the physical, social, and cultural context in which they live.