Social Work Research Center

Collaborating with key stakeholders in the local community

In this project, we explore how social professionals and frontline organisations can collaborate more effectively with informal key figures in local communities. This is increasingly important as health and social care systems face growing pressure from workforce shortages, complex care needs, and broader societal changes, while the need for accessible, community-based support continues to grow. Through a literature review, case studies in three Brussels neighbourhoods, and co-creative collaboration with a learning network, we examine the roles, needs, and expectations of key figures and develop personas, a practical guide, and policy recommendations.

Interested in learning how key figures can bridge the gap between formal and informal care? Read on or get in touch with our research team.

A group of friends casually hanging out on a rooftop in Brussels, Belgium, enjoying the sunny day
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SG PWO

Problem Statement

The health and social care sectors are facing significant challenges due to staff shortages, population ageing, digitalisation, increasing diversity, and growing care complexity. As a result, the need for community-based collaboration between formal and informal actors is increasing. Informal key figures often play a crucial bridging role in these networks, yet their roles, needs, and expectations remain underexplored, particularly in the Brussels context.

Objective

This study aims to provide insight into the continuum and profiles of key figures in community work, identify effective principles and enabling conditions for collaboration between formal and informal actors, and develop practical tools and guidance for professionals, organisations, educational programmes, and local authorities.

Approach

The research combines a literature review and field exploration with case studies in three Brussels neighbourhoods: Neder-over-Heembeek, Anderlecht, and Etterbeek. The study employs neighbourhood analyses, interviews, focus groups, and co-creative sessions conducted with a learning network of Brussels-based field partners.

Outputs

The project will deliver:

  1. A visual continuum and a shared terminology framework for key figures;
  2. Personas of informal key figures;
  3. A practice-oriented guide featuring reflection questions and a practical compass for collaboration; and
  4. Recommendations for policy, practice, education, and future research.

Impact

By making key figures more visible and strengthening collaboration with professionals, the project contributes to inclusive, accessible, and caring neighbourhoods where support is organised in a local, approachable, and low-threshold manner.

Keywords: Community building; community care; caring neighbourhoods; community work; community-oriented practice; informal care; integrated care; key community figures; bridging figures; social shadow work; formal-informal collaboration; deinstitutionalisation and community-based care.

Research Questions

  • Who are the informal key actors in community work?

    What kind of continuum can help clarify their position? And what shared language or terminology can we develop to make collaboration between formal and informal actors easier to discuss and implement in practice?

  • Who are the informal, unaffiliated key figures in community work?

    Which profiles, roles, motivations, needs, and expectations can be identified among informal key figures in community work? How do neighbourhood characteristics influence their emergence, functioning, and contribution to local support networks?

  • How can social professionals identify, engage, and support these key figures?

    Which principles, strategies, preconditions, and practical approaches support sustainable and equitable collaboration between formal and informal actors in caring neighbourhoods? How do neighbourhood characteristics shape the development, implementation, and effectiveness of these collaborative practices?

  • What recommendations?

    What recommendations can be developed for healthcare and social welfare organisations, local authorities, and educational institutions to ensure the sustainable integration of collaboration with informal key figures into policy, practice, and professional training?

Project Partners

Community Partners and Case Partners: Integrated Neighborhood Initiative Chambéry (Etterbeek), De Binding Local Service Center (Neder-over-Heembeek), Peterbos Neighborhood Health Center (Anderlecht).

Learning Network and Knowledge Partners: Enchanté, Knowledge Center for Well-being, Housing, and Care, Accolage, BruZEL.

 

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