Why CHS?
Moving to a new country for work or as a travelling spouse can be fraught with confusion, anxiety and complexity which
in some cases can lead to culture shock and depression. This can be not only a significant personal crisis for the individual concerned, but this emotional state can have a detrimental impact on colleagues and the employer.
“Relocation experts anecdotally add that most failures of expatriate assignments are because of personal, not professional, issues, and divorce rates are higher than average…”
— Robin Pascoe, author of many books for expatriates.
How CHS Helps
CHS clients come from over 50 countries. They call the Help Line, they come in for therapy, or they seek testing for children with learning difficulties or emotional problems. By contacting
CHS clients take the first steps toward understanding and adjusting to the demands
life away from home may bring about.
Whether it’s the working partner or their entire family CHS can provide practical guidance on living in
Belgium, from finding the right school to finding a local English-speaking
doctor or tradesman etc.
“If we can minimise the culture shock faced when moving to a new country or assist
people to overcome major changes in their lives, then we might go some way to alleviate the stress of HR departments and support the
well-being of individuals. If we assist firms to become healthier places, that’s got to be good for business”
— Mr Richard Kinchen, ex-British Ambassador to Belgium and ex-patron of CHS.
“I’ve been on the help line for over 5 years. For many callers it’s difficult to talk initially and there are gaps for tears, but gradually a story comes together. Sometimes when they end the call, they are calm and express gratitude. Basically, I have done nothing but listen. I haven’t solved world poverty but some of the English-speaking community in Belgium are feeling better and that’s why I volunteered”
— Anonymous Help Line volunteer.
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