Houvast

Rode Kruis-Vlaanderen

About this app

Houvast offers tips and tools to help others who are experiencing psychological difficulties (stress, burnout, addiction, ...) and to cope with a shocking event (car accident, death, ...).

Helping others

Handhold helps you to help other (young) adults when they are struggling.
• How do you recognize stress, depression, suicidal thoughts ... in someone?
• How do you start a conversation about this?
• Where and how can someone go for specialized, professional help?
• What if someone loses control completely and goes through a crisis?
• How do you keep taking care of yourself when you help others?

The app contains a library (with a wealth of information on themes such as depression, anxiety and self-injury), an overview of professional aid organizations in Flanders, a number of tools to (continue to) take good care of yourself and a crisis button with which you can offer instant crisis assistance if someone loses control completely.

Handle a shock

Handhold helps you to cope with a shocking event, such as an accident or death.
• What are "normal" reactions after a shocking event?
• How do you take care of yourself after a shock?
• How can you talk to your children about such a situation?

The app contains a library (with information about dealing with, talking about and dealing with a shock) as well as an overview of professional aid organizations in Flanders, and a number of tools to (continue to) take care of yourself.


Taking care of yourself

The Houvast app contains a number of unique tools that help you take extra care of yourself.
• In the diary you can keep track of how you are doing with the push of a button.
• The Me-time moments help you to relax and create space in your head.
• You can easily contact people you trust via the network tool.
• With the self-care plan you increase your resilience and prepare to deal with difficult situations.

Attention! This app is not a substitute for professional assistance. Contact the emergency services (call 112) if someone is going through a crisis. For all other questions you can contact your GP, the Center for General Welfare Work (CAW) and Tele-Reception (106).