10 Days of Mental Health

The funds raised will be used to provide psychological support to the care and maintenance staff at the UZ Brussel. Villa Samson has been transformed into a safe place where they can find respite from the pressure and emotions that have been running high since the start of the coronavirus crisis.

It is no coincidence that the cheque is being handed over during the 10 Days of Mental Health event, which runs from 1 to 10 October each year. Rector Caroline Pauwels wants to highlight the importance of good mental health and show that VUB and the university hospital are resilient together. Dr Karen Pien, medical information manager at UZ Brussel, listens to employees’ personal experiences with a team of clinical psychologists. They are alert to signals of stress and anxiety, and help people who need support to deal with pressure and emotions. These heroes are also being celebrated.

Dr Pien says: “I am an expert on post-traumatic stress syndrome. During the first wave of the corona crisis, I told Prof Dr Noppen what I thought we really needed: a place where it was possible to work in peace and quiet on the mental health of the UZ Brussel care and maintenance staff. That place was Villa Samson. Anyone who comes to us can tell their story. We offer a listening ear and then focus on groundwork: on the one hand we encourage self-care and on the other hand we carry out trauma-release exercises.”

More information

Rector Caroline Pauwels and CEO UZ Jette Marc Noppen via VUB press relations

VUB Foundation: [email protected] - 0477 444 494

Villa Samson: [email protected] - 0472 20 21 11

Dr Karen Pien: [email protected] - 0476 574 573

Action #VerzorgDeVerzorgers: www.vub.be/verzorgdeverzorgers

VUB Foundation

^{The VUB Foundation raises philanthropic funds from companies, organisations and individuals. The policy of the VUB fundraising service is based on the conviction that every philanthropic donation receives a social return. What you give to VUB, you get back. www.vubfoundation.be}

Villa Samson

^{Villa Samson is a building next to the UZ Brussel where patients can spend time with their pets. Hospital staff have also recently moved here to receive emotional and psychological support. Villa Samson is entirely dependent on donations. www.villasamson.be}