Damien Pipart

Joint Interview – On Seniors’ Side Foundation X Voisins & Soins

How did the collaboration begin?

I discovered Voisins & Soins through the On Seniors’ Side Foundation. The organization had submitted a grant application, and as part of their internal process, each project must be supported by a Group employee, who then becomes its sponsor.

Upon learning about the organization, I was deeply convinced of the relevance of its work. What particularly touched me was its holistic approach to support, working closely with people who are seriously ill or at the end of their lives. It's not just a technical approach, but a human presence that perfectly reflects the Foundation's ethos: supporting committed projects where the need is greatest. All of these reasons led me to get personally involved.

What motivated you to support the organization?

My professional and personal experiences have regularly brought me face to face with palliative care situations. What I've observed is that beyond medical procedures, there's a fundamental need: the need for daily human presence, for listening, and for shared time.

People in palliative care are mostly elderly and more vulnerable to isolation. In a context of medical strain and recruitment difficulties in home care, professionals, however dedicated, cannot provide all this support on their own. This is precisely where civil society has a major role to play. The Voisins & Soins (Neighbors & Care) project convinced me because it doesn't replace the healthcare system; it complements it by mobilizing trained and supported volunteer neighbors.

When you say that civil society has a role to play, what do you mean specifically?

For me, the end of life is a phase of life. And in "end of life," there's first and foremost the word "life." Life is about celebrating a birthday, sharing a cake, playing cards, or having a conversation. These are simple moments that shouldn't disappear. Often, it's not the illness itself that prevents them, but also loss of mobility and loneliness.

To push a wheelchair or share a snack, you don't need any special qualifications: you need attentiveness. What I appreciate about Voisins & Soins (Neighbors & Care) is the framework it provides. Volunteers aren't left to their own devices; they are trained and supported. This preparation reassures volunteers and gives them the confidence they need to act. The organization makes this commitment possible, accessible, and safe.

Specifically, what does the Foundation's support make possible?

Sélène Lagache (Voisins & Soins):

"The Foundation's support has allowed us to strengthen two essential pillars: the training of our volunteers and the psychological support of the people we assist and their families."

It has therefore made possible:

The strengthening and professionalization of training (30 hours per new volunteer).

Strengthening a psychological support system for beneficiaries and caregivers.

“We are grateful for the Damartex Group’s involvement. It demonstrates that healthy aging is a collective responsibility that now requires the commitment of more stakeholders.”

And what about tomorrow?

My role as a sponsor doesn’t end with securing financial support: supporting a project also means being a facilitator. I intend to follow its progress closely and be as involved as possible.

>> Beyond funding, the partnership is based on a logic of sustainable cooperation: internal awareness campaigns, providing spaces to train volunteers, and regional development.