There is a non-profit company in Brussels that wants to revolutionize healthcare. They offer care that is inclusive, affordable, and people-centered, known as “slow care.”

Their unique selling point: they only use electric bikes to get around – which can be a challenge in a city as big and busy as Brussels. What name could be more fitting than Wheel of Care – pronounced “We love care”? We spoke with founder and CEO Flora Billiouw about what drives her, the hurdles she has to overcome, and why she chose an i:SY 2017 to bring her idea of human-centered care to life. 

WHO AND WHAT IS BEHIND WHEEL OF CARE?

Wheel of Care stands for holistic and sustainable care. Based on my personal experiences, I decided early on to work in healthcare. At the time, my mother was ill and receiving external care. That's when I knew I wanted to do the same. With this vision of humanity and sustainability, I started my own business in 2017. We now have 25 employees. I myself am one of the midwives in the team. We also have nurses, doulas, psychologists, massage therapists, nutritionists, acupuncturists, and volunteers. We are basically a whole village of caregivers.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO?

People are always at the center of what we do. Prenatal and postnatal care, which is often neglected, is particularly important to us. At the same time, we want to draw attention to loneliness in old age. Brussels is one of the most diverse cities in Europe, but this also leads to social fragmentation. Care is closely interwoven with social structures. Preventing isolation not only contributes to individual well-being, but also promotes healthy communities. We also want to show that care can and should be sustainable. Cycling is a key solution for people, but also for our planet.

IS IT PRACTICAL TO DO YOUR JOB BY BIKE?

Surprisingly, yes! We get around quickly, avoid traffic jams, and don't need to look for parking. We're also visible to people in the neighborhood. Rain or shine, we always cycle. It's part of our DNA. Bikes give us flexibility and efficiency while staying true to our environmental values.

WHY DO YOU RIDE i:SY BIKES THROUGH BRUSSELS?

From the beginning, we wanted the bicycle to be both a symbol and a tool for our work. We came across i:SY through a partner, and yes, we are often cited as a good example, but there is no reliable funding. We are dependent on temporary and project-based funding as well as donations. Without long-term support, our work is at risk. We demand that politicians perceive our approach not as an experiment, but as a serious solution for a healthy society, especially here in Brussels.

WHAT MAKES YOUR DAILY LIFE DIFFICULT?

Cycling uphill on a rainy day with a fully loaded bike isn't exactly easy—but it's doable. Some families live in precarious conditions, which requires time and emotional presence. For older people, loneliness can sometimes be as stressful as health problems. Since we started, 13 bikes have been stolen from us. But all of that is offset by the freedom that cycling gives us and the trust we have in our patients. Every ride reminds us why we do what we do.

BIGGEST SUCCESSES

• Over 80,000 visits – exclusively by bike since 2017.
• Expansion of our area of operation.
• Establishment of a multidisciplinary team.
• Creation of safe, inclusive places for all generations.
• And probably the biggest one of all: countless people who tell us that our care gives them security, relaxation, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST?

The smiles and relief on people's faces when they open the door to us. Seeing new parents receive support or older people become part of their community again. And the strong sense of connection and hope we spread in the city we all love so much.