On 30 September and 1 October, more than 220 participants from 12 European countries were welcomed by the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu and the French Province of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God for the European Congress on Social Inclusion. Organised both in person and online by Hospitality Europe and its Social Inclusion Working Group, the event brought together professionals, supported persons and partners around a shared conviction: promoting social inclusion and self-determination for the most vulnerable people. 

A Congress opened in the Spirit of Hospitality

Following an energetic opening flashmob performed by residents of the Centre Saint Raphaël (Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu), participants were invited to take a step back and reflect with philosopher Gabrielle Halpern. Her speech on hybridising living environments encouraged everyone to imagine spaces that are increasingly open, inclusive and connected to their communities.

Beyond differences in language and culture, one message resonated throughout the two days: hospitality is something to be shared and fostered across Europe.  

“For all of us, this congress represents an important milestone, a stage along a longer journey. And let us not forget that this journey is far from over. Much work remains to be done, many questions remain unanswered and further challenges lie ahead. That is precisely why gatherings like this are so valuable: they provide us with new ideas, renewed energy and the courage to continue our commitment.”

Doris Zwick, Lead of the Social Inclusion Working Group, Hospitality Europe

Sharing experiences to strengthen Self-determination

Throughout the congress, European provinces led roundtable discussions highlighting concrete initiatives that promote self-determination. 

Topics addressed during the first day included:

• Supported decision-making and legal capacity support systems (Spain, Hospital Sisters Province)
• Self-determination in psychiatric care pathways (Italy, Hospital Sisters Province)
• Creating living environments that foster understanding and inclusion (Austria, Order of Saint John of God); 
• Strengthening social connections as a lever for inclusion (Spain, OHSJD); 
• Planning the future and designing one’s life project (Poland and Germany, OHSJD); 
• Non-pharmacological therapies and support for caregivers (Rome Province, OHSJD); 
• Inclusion through the performing arts with Companhia 48 (Portugal, Hospital Sisters). 

Residents, staff members and religious brothers and sisters highlighted the richness of the practices developed throughout the European Hospitaller Family and a shared commitment to placing people’s choices, aspirations and abilities at the heart of support services. 

Following a Mass at Saint-Ferréol Church, located in the heart of Marseille near the Old Port, participants enjoyed an evening of fellowship and conviviality. 

A Second Day Focused on Action

On 1 October, participants continued discussions around innovative approaches that foster civic participation and autonomy. 

Among the topics presented were:

• Art therapy for adults living with mental health conditions (Portugal, OHSJD) ; 
• Using art and imagery to move beyond perceptions associated with illness (Italy, Lombardy-Veneto Province, OHSJD) ; 
• Promoting autonomy and access to leadership roles for persons with disabilities, presented jointly by the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu and the Western Europe Province ;  
• Presentation of a guide supporting vulnerable people affected by the war in Ukraine, coordinated by Poland. 

Giving Hospitality a stronger voice

The congress concluded with the presentation of Hospitality Europe’s Position Paper by its Chief Executive Officer, Joan Uribe. This strategic document aims to advocate before European institutions for the right to participation and self-determination of supported persons, while also encouraging hospitality organisations to join the Hospitality Europe network. This initiative represents one of the key priorities of the European Social Inclusion Working Group. 

The second day was also marked by the contribution of sociologist and writer Philippe Aubert, author of Rage d’Exister. His powerful testimony reminded participants of a fundamental truth: deciding how to live, choosing one’s lifestyle, working and fully participating in society are possible beyond disability. 

Thanks to everyone who contributed

Hospitality Europe and the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu warmly thank all participants, speakers, residents, staff members and partners who contributed to the richness of these exchanges. 

This European Congress once again demonstrated that hospitality, when combined with social inclusion and self-determination, is a powerful driver of transformation for building a fairer and more participatory society. 

Hospitality Europe at a glance

• More than 280 centres across 17 European countries; 
• 77,000 employees; 
• Working groups dedicated to Social Inclusion and Mental Health, Research, Innovation, Education and more; 
• Webinars designed to foster innovation, exchange and collaboration; 
• European mobility opportunities for staff members. 

“Hospitality Europe brings together the centres of the Order of Saint John of God and the Hospital Sisters across Europe. Through this association, we seek to give a voice to the most vulnerable people and to co-create solutions with them that respond to their individual needs. We are a genuine European network where professionals and partners work hand in hand to build a fairer and more inclusive society beyond borders.”

Joan Uribe, General Director of Hospitality Europe 

A Congress at the Heart of the Provence Region of the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu

Before and after the congress, participants were invited to discover several Marseille facilities operated by the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu. Founded in 2012 by the Brothers of the Order of Saint John of God in France, the Foundation operates in Western France, the Paris region and Marseille. Its mission is to serve the most vulnerable people within the French healthcare and social care system. Every year, it supports more than 20,000 people across more than 40 facilities and services. In Marseille, these include: 

• Centre Forbin (Accommodation and Social Reintegration Centre and Medical Respite Care Beds); 
• Centre Saint Barthélemy (Elderly people housing, Territorial Resource Centre and Community Hub); 
• Centre Saint Raphaël (Residential Living Facility); 
• Centre Bon Pasteur (Elderly people housing). 

“Marseille is also a unique city: a city of encounters, transitions, cultures and differences. It has always been shaped by the arrival of women and men from elsewhere. Like all major metropolitan areas, it also faces the realities of vulnerability, poverty and exclusion. In this respect, it is a particularly symbolic place in which to reflect together on social inclusion. You are also here in one of the historic territories of the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu.”

Philippe Girard, President of the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu 

“It is a great joy to celebrate the second Congress on Social Inclusion in Marseille, a multicultural and welcoming city. Behind this wonderful initiative stands the work of many people from different European countries who, together, professionals, religious, volunteers and supported persons, build every day the foundations of a more inclusive society. Each person, from their own reality, is the protagonist of a beautiful story that we must allow to unfold together. Thank you for your support, your work and your presence. Faithful to our spirit of hospitality, we remain committed to advancing genuine social inclusion.”

Brother Joaquim Erra i Mas, General Councillor of the Order of Saint John of God and Member of the Board of the Fondation Saint Jean de Dieu