GARDE TON SOURIRE POUR TA SANTÉ!!!

Paris, Oct & Nov 2024

The last months have seen unseasonably tough weather conditions in Paris: cold, heavy rain, even a snowstorm. People living in precarious conditions on the streets have been under immense stress and physical discomfort, the day-centre in turn offering respite from the elements and always full. People are exhausted and tensions fraught.

It's important to stay connected at this challenging time, with space to listen to what our partners experience as they host spaces throughout the week. In October we met a mobile psychiatry team who’ll begin at le CEDRE this month. Such connections help us link better with other networks supporting people with vulnerable mental health.

As is often the case in the winter months, small bricks become a significant material. People build and create shelters with a sense of urgency, yet also with play and freedom to dream. Building inspires travel across continents, talk of places visited or imagined far away: Istanbul with its airport, a 3 star Hilton Hotel with a carefully chosen landscape behind, the gateway to a medina - many onlookers marvelling. Little lights have helped as the winter days progress, gloomy spaces needing little glimmers to bring some magic and a feeling of warmth to the table.

Photography with a simple thermal camera has also brought delight and several men have explored the camera's capacity to transform images. Many have wanted their photo taken, with flurries of portraits emerging around the room. Plastic wallets have helped validate the significance these small black & white portraits hold, carefully placed inside coat pockets.

We’re grateful to our trainees Mara Gonzalez Telmo & Pauline Gaubert, who’ve made our weekly space possible throughout this difficult time. As familiarity builds and relationships form, sometimes people express their thanks for our presence - a little message left on the table: “Salut: Garde ton sourire pour ta santé!!! OK?? La conseillé de se jour” (Hey: Keep your smile to keep your health!!! OK? The advice of the day).

Words by Kate France, Pascale Marie & Naomi Press.