The former administrative offices of the CPAS in Mouscron have been redeveloped to house the BIS, the Socio-Professional Integration Building. This space aims to bring together in one location various projects designed to support beneficiaries in their journey towards autonomy, social integration, and employment, replacing previously dispersed initiatives.
« The idea was really to centralize everyone and create energy, a synergy between the different projects, » explains Victor Leclercq, president of the CPAS of Mouscron. The BIS is intended as a comprehensive 'toolbox' offering diverse assistance: job searching, socio-professional integration workshops, Job Boost, Format Job, French courses, homework support, budget guidance, and access to IT tools.
Each person receiving income support from the CPAS has an individualized support plan. This plan involves a mutual commitment between the beneficiary and the CPAS to achieve objectives such as finding employment, securing housing, learning French, or pursuing education. When standard support is insufficient, the BIS's programs offer enhanced assistance. For instance, Job Boost targets individuals facing persistent difficulties in their job search, while integration workshops focus on fundamental steps like establishing a routine, learning to present oneself, regaining confidence, or resocializing.
« Sometimes, we need to understand what's blocking progress and preventing the person from getting closer to work. For others, we start by setting an alarm clock, learning to present themselves, resocializing, or speaking up through workshops, » details Victor Leclercq.
This consolidation of services also simplifies administrative procedures. Dedicated spaces and computer equipment are available for creating CVs or conducting research directly on-site. The BIS is designed to evolve, with the CPAS planning to develop new projects and strengthen collaborations with external partners to offer training and activities at the facility.
“"It's truly a large toolbox. The goal is for people to progress and be equipped to be better supported and more effective in their job search or reintegration."
With the BIS, the CPAS of Mouscron now has a centralized location to enhance support for its beneficiaries and adapt the tools offered to the different stages of their journey.
