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*, 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
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
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
Our Specialist Areas
‘You should never wait until you feel unwell to ask for help’
So do get in touch!
☀️ 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!
This year, the Dispensaire will be closed from 20 July to 24 August. We wish you a wonderful summer.
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.
Forward it to your friends and family and invite them to sign up by clicking here!
And don't forget to follow our news on social media!
Many thanks to Delphine Gourgues, volunteer copywriter, for creating this series of profiles!
