Addressing loneliness
More than 52% of adults in Kerkrade (18 years and older) feel lonely at times. That is why the municipality of Kerkrade is committed to reducing loneliness. In the beginning, the approach focused mainly on the elderly, but it has now been extended to all ages.
Loneliness hotline
People who are lonely don't always ask for help, but often like to get it anyway. Residents can contact the Loneliness Hotline if they feel lonely or are concerned about someone who is lonely. The hotline is run by Ouderenwelzijn Kerkrade and Impuls, and can be reached at telephone number 045 - 54 56 351 during office hours, or by e-mail at info@impulskerkrade.nl.
National program One Against Loneliness
The municipality of Kerkrade is participating in the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport's national One Against Loneliness program. This program is used to reduce loneliness in the Netherlands. As part of this program, each year the municipality organizes the Week against Loneliness. During this week there are many activities where people can meet each other and make new contacts. Connection is at the heart of this. The overview of activities in Kerkrade during the Week against Loneliness 2024 can be found at the bottom of this page.
Together Against Loneliness
An important part of the approach is the Kerkrade coalition Together against Loneliness. In this coalition, more than 30 parties work together that are diverse in nature, such as the municipality, healthcare parties, welfare work, housing associations, the business community, general practitioners and arts and culture. In addition, the GGD is also involved. The aim of this partnership is to make a joint contribution to raising awareness of, preventing and reducing loneliness in Kerkrade.
Overview of initiatives and projects
The municipality of Kerkrade continues to make intensive efforts to reduce loneliness. Loneliness cannot be tackled in just one way, which is why it requires a wide range of projects and initiatives. Below are some examples of initiatives in Kerkrade.
about the approach against loneliness in Kerkrade, please contact us by phone at 14 045 or by e-mail at eenzaamheid@kerkrade.nl.