Via Jeugd is all about caring for vulnerable young people between the ages of 12 and 18. From the location in Cadier en Keer, they offer both closed and outpatient youth care, often in complex situations where immediate intervention is necessary. The organisation is in the middle of a transition: towards smaller-scale care. In this dynamic, a reliable, secure and flexible IT environment is indispensable.

From traditional to modern

Our IT infrastructure still dated from a time when everything had to be local and closed - a legacy of our judicial background," says Pedro van Can, ICT Coordinator at Via Jeugd. "But that no longer suited how we want and need to work: mobile, flexible and secure, also from home or on the road.

After a long preliminary process, in which the exact needs were mapped out together with Pink Elephant through workshops, the decision was taken by Via Jeugd in early 2024 to implement the modern workplace based on Microsoft 365. Pink Elephant became a partner in this process. "We wanted a standard, secure solution that would allow employees to work anytime and anywhere - without any hassle," says Pink Elephant.

An intensive but successful project

Migrating to the modern workplace proved to be a tough job. Outdated hardware, users with varying digital skills and a critical work environment made it challenging. "Nevertheless, the project went largely flawlessly. On time and on budget," says Pedro van Can.

With new laptops, a streamlined modern workplace and smart adoption programme (taking users into the new way of working), a big leap forward was made. "What is particularly striking is that hybrid working is now really well possible. Employees notice this immediately in their daily work."

Fully in control

Besides migrating to a modern workplace, Via Jeugd immediately made the decision to want to start using Pink Elephant's Security Management services. Via Jeugd is onboard within Pink Elephant's SOC (Security Operating Center). This enables Via Jeugd to be in control and reduce Cyber risks, for now and the future.

Trust and cooperation

According to Mark de Wette Interim Manager ICT at Via Jeugd, the collaboration with Pink Elephant is pleasant and flexible. "We are not an average organisation: relatively small, specialised and operating within a healthcare context where customisation and sensitivity are essential. But Pink had an immediate eye for this. They thought along actively, shifted gears quickly and remained calm at times when it mattered."

Via Jeugd and Pink have signed a multi-year cooperation agreement. Together, they will work to further develop a secure IT environment to ensure continued high-quality care for young people.

"We feel taken seriously and well supported. Thanks to this foundation, we can focus on what really matters: the young people."