Brèches’ Social Pricing

For Brèches, social pricing is a way to welcome people from diverse social backgrounds, including those unfamiliar with our approaches. For the latter, paying for an activity that is new to them can be a barrier to participation. Through its social pricing model, Brèches ensures alignment with its mission and aims to create experiences that reflect a complex reality where different ways of relating to the world coexist. Economic factors should not compromise this objective.

Social pricing is also a way to distance ourselves from certain approaches, experiences, or training programs related to "well-being," "personal development," or "training," which are often expensive and inaccessible to a large part of the population. These offerings typically target the same group of people—often "initiated" individuals or those from similar socio-economic backgrounds.

In short, given the rising cost of basic necessities, the current political and social context, and the urgent need to foster new ways of being that support resilience, community-building, and individual empowerment, it is essential that Brèches’ experiences and activities remain accessible.

How Social Pricing Works

Our social pricing system helps cover the costs of our events—either partially or fully—through a sliding-scale model. We rely on each participant’s responsibility to choose a pricing tier that aligns with their financial capacity.

At the end of each activity, we also offer participants the opportunity to make a donation, allowing them to adjust their initial contribution. If the experience was particularly enriching, the donation model enables them to contribute further.

If an activity generates financial surplus, the funds are reinvested into future events or used to support free initiatives organized by Brèches.

Free Admission

Free admission is one of the options in Brèches’ pricing model. It allows us to fulfill our mission of accessibility while sparking curiosity and interest in our activities among various social groups, including those in more precarious situations who might not otherwise participate. Additionally, free admission reinforces the idea that shared and solidarity-driven public services are common goods. It also eliminates the risk of stigmatization for low-income participants.

Moreover, free admission itself encourages exploration and curiosity.

Not a Question of Value

We recognize that in a system where quality is often equated with economic value, free admission may lead some to question the perceived worth of a service. However, Brèches encourages a redefinition of the concept of free access—one that contributes to creating spaces free from economic valuation logic.

Privilege

This reflection and the implementation of these models are made possible thanks to the financial support and trust of the Sœurs Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph, as well as the Cité des Hospitalières en Transition model. We honor the radical, caring, and innovative vision of these initiatives and their deeply rooted commitment to social progress.