In the heart of Deurne lies De Hoeve, a department of De Vijver vzw. De Hoeve offers tailor-made support for young adults with autism, often in combination with physical disabilities and behavioural or emotional challenges. Their operations are rooted in the wishes and dreams of each resident, with the goal of building a life of quality for every individual. The next step? Creating a sensory garden that will enrich their living environment.

This year’s LCL North Sea Regatta supports De Hoeve vzw in creating this sensory garden. We spoke with Griet Pitteljon, general director of the umbrella organisation De Vijver vzw, and Tinne Cappelle, a staff member responsible for day support at De Hoeve.  

Can you take us through the story of De Hoeve? How did it start, and what does it mean today for those receiving care there?

Griet Pitteljon: “De Hoeve was founded thanks to a group of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their children needed intensive care but couldn’t find a place that truly met their specific needs. So the parents took matters into their own hands and reached out to De Vijver to make their dream a reality. In 2000, De Hoeve opened its doors with 20 spots. The demand was overwhelming, there were 85 applications from day one. We’ve been growing ever since, expanding gradually and using every available space creatively. Today, we support 80 people in small, tailor-made living groups. What’s beautiful is that some of the parents from those early days are still closely involved, especially now with designing the sensory garden.”

What makes De Hoeve so special for the residents?

Griet Pitteljon: “De Hoeve is defined by several strong pillars: small scale, a focus on the residents’ own wishes, and close cooperation with their support networks. Families, friends, and trusted confidants are actively involved, since they are the first-hand experts. We support our clients across four key life domains that everyone can relate to: living, working, daily activities, and learning. That last one is often overlooked, but our residents also need to continue growing. In our training room, they can keep learning at their own pace, based on their abilities.”

Tinne Cappelle: “Exactly. Together we discuss current topics that our residents notice but may not understand. Questions like: ‘What does that war mean?’ or ‘Who is that man in America who decides everything?’ We also work on basic skills like writing, math, managing money, and digital skills, to make sure they stay connected with the world around them.”

How does this project fit into your broader vision of inclusive, human-centred care?

Griet Pitteljon: “Inclusivity might be a buzzword these days, but for us it’s a fundamental value. We don’t just encourage our residents to participate in society, we actively bring society to them. For many of our residents, stepping into the outside world isn’t easy. That’s one of the reasons why all De Vijver vzw locations are situated in residential neighbourhoods, not tucked away in remote areas.”

Tinne Cappelle: “It’s important that our clients can live as ‘normal’ a life as possible. What do we enjoy ourselves? Going out to eat, meeting friends, spending time with family. It’s no different for them. That mindset guides everything we do, including our events. Inclusivity here means neighbours get to know our clients and see them as part of the community. That sense of familiarity helps break down prejudice.”

Griet Pitteljon: “The sensory garden won’t just be a haven for our residents, it’ll also be a new way to connect with the neighbourhood. By inviting people into this open, green space, we hope to spark curiosity and remove any perceived barriers. It’s another step towards making De Hoeve a truly integrated part of the community.”

Why is the sensory garden so important for your residents?

Griet Pitteljon: “It will be a safe and inviting space where our clients can explore, move, and relax at their own pace, a kind of outdoor controlled multisensory environment. They can enjoy sensory experiences, experiment, or just drift off into their thoughts when they need to. The garden can include nest swings, seating areas, musical instruments, and a variety of plants that offer something new with each season. It will bring joy and help them process stimuli in a gentle way. What exactly goes into the garden will be co-designed with our clients and their networks, depending on their wishes and the available budget.”

How does sponsorship support the work of De Hoeve?

Griet Pitteljon: “Sponsorship makes a huge difference. We make deliberate choices that align with the needs of our clients, but those choices often require extra funding. For example, we opt for living units of just five people, while the average group size is typically much larger. We prioritise calm and structure. Thanks to sponsorship, we can not only cover the basics but also invest in extras that are essential to our residents’ wellbeing. The sensory garden is a beautiful example of that.”