Two social mediation agents from Saint-Brieuc meet residents during “citizen cafés”. Friendly meetings, like this Monday, July 1, rue de Saint-Malo, in the North-East district of Saint-Brieuc. The aim of these “citizen cafés” is to build links between residents and city officials. “To discuss everything and listen to needs,” explains Marina Fernandez, from the CCAS. These cafés take place on several dates in different locations: Friday, July 5, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., place Alsdorf, and Monday, July 8, at 4:30 p.m., at the Balzac crossroads, for the next ones.
The concept of “go towards”
For the second time in June, the citizen café has set up shop on rue Saint-Malo. At the foot of a 14-storey tower, a cargo bike from the town hall, equipped with thermoses of coffee and tea, a parasol and a few chairs, welcomes residents. The motto of this service is to “go towards” the residents. “A lot of people from the tower and rue Saint-Malo have told us that they feel abandoned,” comments Valérie, from the citizens’ council of Croix Saint-Lambert, who came to chat.
Friendly meetings
Sipping his coffee, a resident expresses his concerns: “The main problem in the neighborhood is cleanliness. The garbage containers are too high for people with reduced mobility.” A young man then approaches to ask for advice on the administrative procedures for his mother, who was the victim of an accident on her way to work. “Go see France Service, they are very welcoming and will be able to help you with these procedures,” advises Marina Fernandez. The exchanges multiply, between hellos and smiles, and the number of people gathered around the cargo bike quickly rises to six or eight people.
