To break isolation in rural areas

Allier and Cantal are the departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with the highest poverty rate (INSEE, 2023).

In order to fight against isolation of people, two “Fraternibus” have been set up and put on the roads to promote social ties in the hyper-rural areas of the territory.

Initiated by Secours Catholique, thanks to the support of the Michelin Corporate Foundation, the Fraternibus project was able to see the light of day in Auvergne. It relies on local strengths and volunteers.

In the Allier department, the Fraternibus made its first outing on July 15, 2024, on the Mayet-de-Montagne market (Bourbonnaise mountain) and continues its tour during the summer.

The converted truck offers a “traveling café”, as well as a digital space (computer, internet connection) to provide access and support people in their administrative procedures, according to their needs.

The other Fraternibus, converted into a “traveling solidarity shop”, circulated in the north-west of the Cantal department at the beginning of the summer. He was on the Champs-sur-Tarentaine market on Thursday July 18.

Congratulations to Secours Catholique for this project, to the volunteers of the Red Cross and to the Solidarité Paysans en Auvergne association, for their presence and their commitment on board the Fraternibus!