In Liège, we tend to favour soft mobility over cars. And yet, we have to admit that in our daily work, cars are often indispensable.
Indeed, from the street to our accommodation, we are often faced with the need to use a car.
Currently, we are fortunate to be able to use the cambio vehicles, which are cars shared between citizens. We can find them just about anywhere in and around Liège. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to get them at times and for a duration that suit us.
The car allows us to go outside the city, it is a real added value in our accompaniments. It allows us to visit our patients if they are hospitalised in another city or in places that are difficult to access by public transport, for example.
The car is also useful for allowing certain people to take their animals with them. It should be noted that animals are not allowed in shared cars. However, with our clients, we know how valuable the relationship with their animals can be!
It also allows us to easily and quickly pick up bulky donations, or to organise the move of the people we support as best as possible.
As a general rule, having a vehicle allows us greater flexibility in terms of schedule as well as the possibility of seeing more people during our working hours.
Obviously, whenever possible, we favour the bicycle, the train, the bus, our legs and soon the tram! However, I have to admit that a vehicle is not only a privilege, but above all a huge opportunity to support people on their path to reintegration.
Doriane, social worker in Liège