> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # News from the Dispensaire Français – Nathalie Toprak – July 2026 - URL: https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/newsletter-july-2026/ - Published: 2026-07-06T14:56:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-02T11:19:58.000Z - Description: Your regular update for (almost) everything about life at the Dispensaire Français. - Author: Admin - Tags: Newsletter, News & Events ![Dispensaire Français – French Benevolent Society](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/assets/images/df-logo.jpg) News from the Dispensaire Français — July 2026 Your regular update for (almost) everything about life at the Dispensaire Dear readers, Following the first issue of the new newsletter of the [*Dispensaire Français – French Benevolent Society*](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/)\*, published last June, we are gradually making this a monthly update that will let you know all about life at the Dispensaire: its activities, its new initiatives, how it is run and what goes on behind the scenes, with a series of profiles of the people who bring this wonderful institution to life. After Audrey Guichard, meet **Nathalie Toprak** today, the first smile you meet at the Dispensaire! \* For the sake of editorial clarity, the term ‘Dispensaire’ will be used throughout our newsletters. ## SPOTLIGHT on… Nathalie Toprak, Administrative Manager and Receptionist ![Nathalie Toprak, Administrative Manager and Receptionist at the Dispensaire Français](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/content/images/2026/11/portrait-nathalie-toprak.jpeg) If you call the Dispensaire, or come to our premises in Hammersmith, hers is the smile you will hear or see first! Since March 2026, Nathalie Toprak has been the new face and the new voice of the Dispensaire's front desk. She has shared her story to tell us a little more about herself and her role. Originally from Paris, Nathalie studied Economic and Social Administration before spending 15 years working in human resources at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital. ‘As a child, I wanted to be a social worker, like Joëlle Mazard (Véronique Jeannot) in the TV series *Pause-Café*!’ Having arrived in London in 2006 with her husband and their two young children, she took the time to adapt to her new life and improve her English before returning to work, notably for a biotechnology company – close to the medical sector once again… Following a redundancy, and after far too many months of working from home, Nathalie started volunteering for the Dispensaire Français with its seniors at the end of 2025. ‘Helping others as a volunteer is an extremely enriching and rewarding experience. You receive as much as you give!’ She realised the scale of the needs, which you would never suspect before stepping through the door of the Dispensaire. She also helped the new management with administrative tasks. Her organisational skills and her good memory are two undeniable assets. When the post of Receptionist and Administrative Manager became vacant, the timing was perfect for Nathalie – and above all, it was the ideal job! ‘Things don’t happen by chance… What I love about the Dispensaire is how genuinely human it is, the non-hierarchical closeness between us and the empathy that reigns here’ **Her role is threefold:** - Nathalie is the **first point of contact for beneficiaries**. She welcomes them in person and on the phone, explains how the Dispensaire works and, depending on their needs, books appointments and sets up follow-up care; - She plays a **key coordinating role** with the doctors and healthcare staff; - And finally, she sends out the **monthly schedule of all Club Sénior activities**, handles registrations and maintains valuable contact with its beneficiaries (nearly 70 in all). ‘I try to give everyone a warm, reassuring, caring and inclusive welcome’ ## Nathalie’s best of What she loves most about London The cultural diversity and the absence of judgement about appearance What she misses about France Parisian café terraces What makes her angry Lying What gets her out of bed in the morning (apart from coffee) The prospect of going to the Dispensaire and seeing Audrey and Dylan, who brighten up her days! Her motto *‘Never give up’*, because she never lets anything go! How she unwinds Gardening, all year round, whenever the weather allows --- ![Dispensaire Français – French Benevolent Society](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/assets/images/illustration-batiment.jpg) ## The Dispensaire in a few words! Since 1842, we have tirelessly supported several hundred French speakers in the United Kingdom facing medical, social or psychological difficulties — because no one should have to face these ordeals alone. ### A dedicated and caring team 14 *trustees*, 15 doctors & healthcare professionals, 11 clinical psychologists, 23 social volunteers, 1 gardener, 1 copywriter and 3 full-time staff. ### A mission of solidarity Medical and social support for French speakers without private insurance who are facing medical, financial, social or psychological difficulties. ### Deep-rooted values Solidarity — Dignity — Community commitment. ### A simple process By phone or at our front desk, our helpdesk listens, advises and guides. Consultations in French, in person or remotely. Our Activity Areas --- ◆**Medical and Paramedical Activity** ◆**Psychology Activity** ◆**Social Activity** (refugees, asylum seekers) Our Specialist Areas --- ◆**The Espace Santé Jeunes (ESJ)**, for 13-25 year-olds ◆**The Parcours Soutien Femmes**, for women who are victims of violence ◆**The Club Sénior**, for social connection and companionship among our elders ◆**The Société Clinique**, academic conferences for those working in the French-speaking medical world in the UK --- ‘You should never wait until you feel unwell to ask for help’ So do get in touch! 📞 [+44 020 8222 8822](tel:+442082228822) 📍 184 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7DJ 🕛 Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm / Friday 9am-4pm 💷 Flat rate: £10/consultation + Membership: £10/year 🌐 [en.df-sfb.org.uk](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/) [BECOME A VOLUNTEER](mailto:info@df-sfb.org.uk?subject=Becoming%20a%20volunteer%20at%20the%20Dispensaire) [DONATE](https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/dispensairefrancais?ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk) ☀️ **Next month**, you will be able to read here the profile of **Dylan Matar**, who works day to day with Audrey Guichard and Nathalie Toprak. Together, the three of them form the essential pillars of the Dispensaire. 🔎 And from September onwards, we will periodically lift the veil on each of our organisation’s areas, featuring the profile of a volunteer who represents it. You will discover our countless achievements and activities. You may even be tempted to take part or get involved in this wonderful adventure! --- While you wait for the next instalment… Save the date! 📅 **Summer closure: 20 July to 24 August** This year, the Dispensaire will be closed from 20 July to 24 August. We wish you a wonderful summer. 📅 **Monday 9 November 2026: Dispensaire Gala** At the residence of the French Embassy. Drinks reception, dinner and silent auction, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. For any information, please do not hesitate to [contact us](mailto:info@df-sfb.org.uk). 🔗 Did you enjoy this newsletter? Forward it to your friends and family and invite them to sign up by clicking [here](https://df-sfb.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7fb574bdd22035619214d0017&id=f4920e5766&ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk)! And don't forget to follow our news on social media! Many thanks to Delphine Gourgues, volunteer copywriter, for creating this series of profiles! [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dispensaire-francais-londres/?ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dispensaire.francais.londres/?ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk) [Website](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/) [Email](mailto:info@df-sfb.org.uk)