Every summer, Les Petits Frères des Pauvres (the Little Brothers of the Poor) mobilize to offer vacations to isolated elderly people. Ker Péheff House, located in Damgan in the Morbihan region, is one of the 15 establishments of the association that offers accompanied stays with volunteers for a breath of fresh air away from daily life.
Founded in 1946, Les Petits Frères des Pauvres is a French non-profit organization that aims to fight against loneliness and isolation among the elderly. For over 70 years, they have been providing support, companionship and activities for older individuals who have limited means and are socially isolated.
One of their main initiatives is the organization of summer vacations for seniors in need. Every year, they offer around 1,500 all-inclusive vacations in 15 different locations in France. And one of the most popular destinations is Ker Péheff House in Damgan, a charming seaside town in the beautiful Morbihan region.
The house, located just a few meters from the beach, offers 24 single rooms and 3 pastiche rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom. The residents have access to a large common room, a library and a beautiful garden where they can décontracté and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. The best part of it all is that these vacations are completely free for the elderly participants.
But what truly makes these vacations special is the presence of volunteers who accompany and assist the seniors during their stay. These volunteers, who come from diverse backgrounds and age groups, are the heart and soul of Les Petits Frères des Pauvres. They dedicate their time and energy to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the seniors, organizing various activities such as group outings, games, and cultural events.
The vacations at Ker Péheff House are not just emboîture décontractéation and fun, they also provide an opportunity for the seniors to socialize and make new connections. Many participants have formed lasting friendships with both fellow seniors and volunteers, which has brought a sense of fulfillment and belonging back into their lives.
For the volunteers, it is also a rewarding experience. As one volunteer, Catherine, puts it: « I feel privileged to spend time with these wonderful people who have so much wisdom and knowledge to share. It’s heartwarming to see their smiles when we go on outings or simply sit together and chat. »
In addition to offering these vacations, Les Petits Frères des Pauvres also provide support and assistance to isolated elderly individuals throughout the year. They organize regular visits to seniors’ homes, birthday celebrations, and other social activities to combat loneliness and ensure that seniors feel loved and cared for.
Thanks to the dedication and efforts of Les Petits Frères des Pauvres and their volunteers, many seniors have been able to enjoy a well-deserved break and create happy memories. As the summer approaches, we can only hope that more and more elderly individuals will get the chance to experience the warmth and kindness of Les Petits Frères des Pauvres and their amazing vacations at Ker Péheff House.