𝐃e𝐬 𝐥i𝐯r𝐞s p𝐨u𝐫 𝐞n p𝐚r𝐥e𝐫

The As’trame Foundation, which has been active for over 30 years in supporting children and families facing family upheavals (bereavement, separation, serious illness, mental health issues, or a parent’s addiction), aims to strengthen the resources available to families in Lausanne affected by these situations. 𝐋he project aims to create and promote a selection of children’s books addressing these sensitive topics, in order to provide parents and children with practical tools for discussing emotions and the challenges they face. These books will help families find the right words, foster mutual understanding, and reduce children’s feelings of isolation. 𝐄 By making these resources accessible and visible, the As’trame Foundation also seeks to raise awareness among the general public and professionals about the importance of children’s books as tools for mediation and support in the face of family life challenges.

Families in Lausanne facing vulnerable situations (bereavement, a parent’s mental health issues or addiction, a serious illness within the family, parental separation).

1. C𝐨n𝐭e𝐱t𝐞__For over 30 years, the As’trame Foundation has been supporting children and families facing family upheavals such as bereavement, a parent’s mental health issues or addiction, serious illness within the family, or parental separation. 𝐃In the canton of Vaud, we respond to more than 800 requests for support each year, a significant portion of which come from families in Lausanne. 𝐋children’s books are a valuable tool for addressing these sensitive topics with children: they help children put their emotions into words, understand what they’re going through, and feel less alone. We use them in our counseling sessions, recommend them to parents, and regularly receive requests for recommendations from professionals. 2. 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐞𝐮𝐱 𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞́𝐬__𝐃Many families in Lausanne are facing difficult situations: bereavement, a parent’s mental health issues or addiction, a serious illness within the family, or parental separation. 𝐋Children experiencing these situations often have few resources to express their emotions or understand what they are going through. These realities are often taboo and difficult to discuss with them. Parents sometimes lack the tools to start a conversation, while children may feel isolated, anxious, or misunderstood. These children need: • Educational and instructional materials tailored to children • Guidance on how to address sensitive topics with their children • Accessible and safe spaces to explore these resources 𝐈There is therefore a clear need for awareness and accessible resources to help families talk about these sensitive topics within the family setting. 𝐆Thanks to our expertise and knowledge of existing books on these topics, we are able to select, recommend, and highlight books that help families find the right words, guidance, and appropriate tools to address these sensitive topics with their children. 3. 𝐎𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐟 𝐠𝐞́𝐧𝐞́𝐫𝐚𝐥__Strengthening the resources of families in Lausanne facing painful life events (bereavement, a parent’s mental health issues or addiction, a serious illness within the family, or parental separation) by providing them with access to books that can serve as a basis for family discussions. 4. 𝐎𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞́𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬__• Provide parents with resources to address sensitive topics (illness, separation, mental health challenges, addiction, grief). • Strengthen parent-child dialogue and reduce children’s feelings of isolation. • Raise public awareness of the importance of children’s books in helping children develop a structured understanding of the world, particularly when facing difficulties.

The project will take place within the city of Lausanne.

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫 – 𝐅𝐞́𝐯𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 • Select relevant children’s books for each of the topics addressed: grief, a parent’s mental health issues or addiction, serious illness within the family, parental separation. • Develop visual and informational materials: posters, flyers, explanatory signs, and bibliographies. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬 – 𝐌𝐚𝐢 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (detailed schedule to be determined later with our partners) • Set up a themed section featuring these books in one or more libraries in Lausanne. • Organize events managed by the As’trame Foundation: o Readings followed by a discussion o Creative workshops for children o Opportunities for parents to talk with As’trame professionals • Promote the events in collaboration with our partners (posters, social media, website). 𝐋The various themes covered may be presented simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the space available at our partners’ locations. 𝐍We would particularly like to focus on the topic of parental addiction during the week of March 21–27, 2026, to tie in with the national action week “Children of Addicted Parents.” This generally also helps generate good media coverage. 𝐉𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 • Evaluation and final report submitted to the BLF by the end of 2026. o Number of participating families and children. o Feedback from partner librarians. o Summary report submitted to the BLF by the end of 2026.

4,000

We hope to partner with one or more municipal libraries. The city’s libraries have been contacted and have expressed interest in this project. A meeting is scheduled for November to discuss it. We may also consider a partnership with a local bookstore if necessary, to expand access to books and increase their reach among families.