It is estimated that one in four Flemish people struggle with mental health issues. The right care is exceptionally important. But what can you do when someone close to you is struggling with anxiety, burn-out, addiction or an upsetting event? And how do you recognize the signs in time? Red Cross-Flanders’ new app Houvast will help you on your way.
The independent volunteer organisation Red Cross-Flanders is known for various initiatives: think of the sticker and plaster campaigns at intersections and car parks, the fundraising campaigns during international conflicts, or the regular calls to donate blood, plasma or platelets. When it comes to first aid, Red Cross-Flanders is one of the first that come to mind – who hasn’t spotted their team at festivals or events? – but the organisation does not limit itself to possible accidents. When it comes First Aid for Mental Health issues, Red Cross-Flanders also knows what to do. In the Houvast app, you will find low-threshold tips and advice on how to help someone close to you when they are struggling with their mental health. The app also answers questions on self-care, crisis situations and other issues.
Support in different languages
To reach as many people as possible, Red Cross-Flanders wanted their Dutch app to be launched in English as well. Untranslate turned out to be the perfect partner for this project. Our team consists of talented linguists who not only have a strong linguistic background, but also their own passions and interests. This allows us not only to guarantee the linguistic quality of translations, but also to deploy language experts whose expertise is best suited to the project and its broader context.
Linguistic and content quality
Thus our Creative Language Specialist Sarah collaborated on this project. Thanks to her degree in linguistics and literature, her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her previous work experience within mental healthcare, she was able to help ensure the linguistic and content quality and accuracy of the app, taking into account the specific content and associated sensitivities.
With a background in linguistics, literature and psychology, my strength lies in understanding the nuances of language and the complexity of human emotions. Collaborating on the Houvast App was right up my alley. My experience in mental healthcare enabled me to work on the project with sensitivity and insight, which required both linguistic finesse and a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Sarah Verstrepen | Copywriter
Efficiency and consistency
The content of the Houvast app is based on Listen! First aid for mental health issues, a handbook that provides tools to help loved ones when they are struggling psychologically. This handbook is also available in Dutch and English. Before translating the app, we thoroughly studied and analysed this source. By creating a style guide based on this material and storing terminology in a digital database, we efficiently ensured consistency between the different content types.
Technical complexity
The translation of an app is an interesting and challenging task. Just think of the technical complexity: apps often contain a mix of text, code, images and other multimedia files. This was also the case with the Houvast app. As a result, our translator not only had to have sufficient knowledge of the source and target languages, but also of the technical aspects of app development. In addition, the translator had to take into account the app’s user interface. Thus, the translated text had to fit within the space provided, and the layout had to remain consistent.
Successful realisation
Thanks to our technical and linguistic expertise and our knowledge of the subject matter, we ensured that this app was successfully realised in multiple languages. Are you curious about the final result, or could you use some advice to support your loved ones when they are struggling? Don’t hesitate to download the app and start using the knowledge yourself – in the language that suits you best.
Are you looking for a language virtuoso who fits your project perfectly? Then Untranslate is your ideal partner. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your plans!
