Volunteering for those in need

To reach the elderly we started a new project. We want to invite anybody who is 50 or older, to join when we are doing projects for the elderly living in The Hague. The idea comes from fighting loneliness which is a big problem amongst the lederly living in The Netherlands. 

Within The Netherlands there is always a shortage in housing. We live with 17 milion people in a very small space. This means that our houses aren't build for entire families. People would like to take care of their parents once they grow into an age where they need certain cares, but usually the houses are to small to make that happen. 

We solved this by making certain homes for the elderly where they can live together and receive certain medical care when they need it. But by doing so, we took the community out. Which meant that elderly people can get very lonely, once a lot of their close relatives have passed away.

We also lack community in general. This is one of the reasons why our organisation: 'Present', excists. We want to inspire people to look after each other. To help one another. To be a community again. Regardless of all the differences.

Concearning the elderly we started thinking of ways to reach them before they turn too lonely and become on the receiving end of our aid. We want to reach out and motivate them to start on the giving end. We ask them to come and join our flex group. Help others and at the same time help yourself. Stay busy, stay connected. To other people and to the society. 

We had the starting day of this group in March and done already several projects. We've received many enthusiastic feedback and are working hard to implement this in the city of The Hague so that we can reach many elderly, before the loneliness hits them!