Precarity can affect anyone. “Often, people in precarious situations describe a rather gentle slope, that's the term they use,” says Marie-Flore Leclercq. “You find yourself in a bit of a precarious situation, so what you start cutting back on are outings, expenses related to leisure, and your social moments. And you slide into total isolation and sometimes even poverty.”
So Entourage provides everyone with opportunities and means for connection. The first aspect is proximity, offered through an app that brings together over 2,000 people and allows them to meet for moments of conviviality and events that take place in real social diversity. This can include pottery, climbing, karaoke, writing sessions, shared reading, or watching a match together.
“This is where we start to rebuild connections. It’s also the free nature of this connection, the fact that we don’t force it,” emphasizes Marie-Flore Leclercq.
In parallel, educational resources and support are offered by directly contacting the association to take action and dare to overcome one’s barriers.
On the same principle, but for job searching, there is Entourage Pro. “If you are in a precarious situation and don’t have a network, while most job offers are hidden, it is impossible to find a job. So we need to rebuild a professional network. And it’s using the pretext of job searching to help people rebuild a social network,” explains Marie-Flore Leclercq.
The platform allows matching job seekers with volunteer coaches. Today, a candidate receives support from four coaches, and one coach supports four candidates. “This notion of many to many is really important because it’s the strength of the network that will give the initial push, but also the strength to not give up when things get tough.”
A successful rebuilding of connections. Among people in precarious and isolated situations, 80% say they feel better, but also more confident in others and in the future. “We are rebuilding the capacity to act and the ability to take action.”
On the other side, 95% of those who come to help change their relationship with others. “This means they have realized all that they have in common with people who are very different, beyond our actual or supposed differences. And this return to our shared humanity is important. The same goes for employees and organizations; it builds more united and resilient collectives,” concludes Marie-Flore Leclercq.
