Patrick Bernard - (La République des Hyper Voisins)

Patrick Bernard is a French community leader, best known as the founder and president of the association La République des Hyper Voisins, based in Paris’s 14ᵉ  arrondissement. His work centres on strengthening social cohesion and neighbourly solidarity. Through weekly events like shared meals,  apéros (neighborhood  get-togethers), and mutual aid initiatives (e.g., helping older neighbours, distributing masks), he aims to weave stronger social ties among residents. He envisions a role he calls “l’ami du quartier”,  a kind of social architect who helps residents connect and co-create their neighbourhood life. 

D’un simple « Bonjour » au sentiment de communauté : les Hyper-voisins de Paris donnent l’exemple

Reading Time: 4 minutesHypervoisins illustre comment des initiatives locales peuvent renforcer la cohésion sociale et lutter contre la solitude en milieu urbain. En proposant des activités de quartier organisées, des espaces partagés et du soutien entre voisins, les habitants tissent des liens plus solides et améliorent le bien-être collectif. Ce modèle pourrait-il être reproduit dans d’autres villes pour réduire l’isolement social et renforcer les liens communautaires ?

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From “Bonjour” to belonging: Paris’ Hypervoisins are showing the way

Reading Time: 3 minutesHypervoisins demonstrates how community-based initiatives can enhance social cohesion and mitigate loneliness in urban settings. Through structured neighbourhood activities, shared spaces and peer support, residents develop stronger social networks and improve collective wellbeing. Could this model provide a scalable approach for other cities seeking to address social isolation and strengthen local community ties?

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COGITO Talks… La République des Hyper Voisins

Reading Time: 21 minutesThis conversation dives into how a small gathering in a local restaurant blossomed into a powerful neighbourhood network grounded in trust, conviviality, and mutual support. From organising a 1 500-person street banquet to creating WhatsApp groups that connect thousands of residents, Patrick and Marion share how intentional social ties can strengthen safety, wellbeing, and even help older neighbours remain in their homes. 

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