‘Zeeuws Weerzien’
This is the answer for an ageing population living in a sparsely populated area
If Zeeland can succeed in providing the right support for elderly people living at home, then this could serve as a useful model for other regions. After all, how do you manage this in a sparsely populated region that covers such a large area, particularly when there is a severe shortage of labour. Six voluntary organisations joined forces to create an extensive network.
It all started with the free newspaper Zeeuws Weerzien, published by the foundation of the same name. It is a quarterly magazine packed with anecdotes and stories about life in the past. The magazine is aimed specifically at the older residents of the province of Zeeland. The idea is not just for them to read it on their own, but above all, for them to reminisce with others during special reading sessions. Bringing older people together in this way is no luxury in Zeeland. With the highest concentration of elderly people in the Netherlands, facilities are often difficult to access as a result of the islands’ topography. With limited public transport, having a well-functioning social support network is essential.
Extensive network
Zeeuws Weerzien has partnered with five local volunteer organisations: Vier ’t Leven, Zeeuwse Luisterlijn, Zeeuws Verlies, Humanitas Zeeland and Resto VanHarte. In the future, other regional voluntary organisations will also be very welcome to get involved. Collectively, they form a vast support network designed to reach out to and assist older people in their homes during times of vulnerability. This could be by lending a sympathetic ear or offering a helping hand, for example or getting them involved in activities again.
Recruiting volunteers together
‘Together’ is the motto. Which also means: together we recruit, train and keep volunteers invested. The Zeeuws Weerzien newspaper plays a key role here. Currently, 40,000 copies reach the target audience. The partnership is called Samen Sterk voor Zeeuwse Senioren (Stronger Together for Zeeland’s Seniors).