The Flemish municipality of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem (Flemish Brabant) is getting over 80,000 euros from European coffers to fight loneliness in the town. Thanks to the European largesse Scherpenheuvel-Zichem now plans to use the cash to stage all sorts of initiatives. There will be neighbourhood ambassadors, volunteers who regularly chat with people who don't often get out of the house. Locals will be able to meet up on the Babbelbus or the ‘chat bus’. Comfort Chairs at cemeteries are also planned.
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EU provides €80,000 grant to Scherpenheuvel-Zichem ‘to combat loneliness’
Colin Clapson
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Scherpenheuvel-Zichem will launch an array of initiatives to strengthen contact between local residents, combat loneliness and lower the threshold for people seeking help and support from local services. ‘The subsidy from the EU will come in handy!’ says Alderwoman Arlette Sannen.
'Initiatives include the Babbelbus, a mobile meeting place where residents are welcome for a chat, a cup of coffee and information about the services the town offers. 'Chat chairs' will be placed at various locations throughout the town, providing seating where people can take a break, meet someone or strike up a conversation. The city will also provide comfort chairs at cemeteries where people can reflect or seek comfort from others.'
An important pillar of the project is the deployment of neighbourhood ambassadors and volunteers. Ambassadors are not social workers but committed local residents who occasionally strike up a conversation, keep an eye on things and pass on signs of loneliness or vulnerability to the town authorities.
Kweikersparade in Tienen
Several other projects in the Hageland region of eastern Flemish Brabant and adjoining Limburg Province are also receiving European subsidies under the LEADER programme, a rural development programme. In all some 455,000 euros is being made available. 40,000 euros will go to the Kweikersparade or Breeders’ Parade in Tienen (Flemish Brabant). This colourful parade (photo top) includes several different groups, dragons and giants but only takes place every five years. That requires an awful lot of organisation the organisers say. The money is more than welcome, notes Phillipe Liesenborghs of the Kweikersparade.
‘We will be able to attract many more local residents and, for the first time, appoint a director. This will enable us to bring the parade to a higher level.’
The next Kweikersparade will take place on 10 October this year!