Psychiatric foster family care in the city of Geel and the Saint Dympna tradition, Mental health foster care system in Geel, Belgium
This residential care program enables people with psychiatric conditions to live with local families and share their daily routines and activities. The arrangement is supported through cooperation between host families, medical professionals, and the OPZ Geel psychiatric center.
The tradition began in the 13th century when pilgrims seeking healing at Saint Dympna's tomb were welcomed into local households. This initial hospitality to visitors gradually transformed into the community-based mental health care system that exists today.
The community in Geel treats people with psychiatric conditions as ordinary neighbors and includes them in everyday activities, shopping, and family gatherings. This acceptance runs so deep that locals often do not distinguish between those receiving care and other residents.
Visitors can explore the city and observe the system functioning naturally within daily life to better understand the model. Since care is fully integrated into regular community life, there are no designated visitor centers or special care facilities to visit.
In 2023, UNESCO recognized this system as intangible cultural heritage for representing a globally unique approach to decentralized psychiatric care. The designation honors both the age and proven effectiveness of a model that has treated mental illness with dignity for centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
