More Contact Makes People More Confident

Alderman Leo Jongen (including Elder Policy and Public Health): "More Contact is a new digital tool that we are using in reducing loneliness. Nowadays almost everyone has a computer or laptop to receive emails on and a cell phone with whatsapp."

Online training against loneliness may sound crazy, but it is not. Social barriers are embedded in the person himself. By learning more about connecting and keeping in touch, you work to make lasting improvements. "Elsewhere in the country we see that participants feel more relaxed in social contacts, in conversations with people they don't yet know. They are more open and therefore get different reactions from the people around them," Jongen said.

Fun to do

Agency Over-us developed the training. The company was nominated for this year's Health Award and won silver. Eva Geelen of Bureau Over-ons: "Long-term experience of a lack of connectedness is a major predictor of health complaints, according to research. We give participants insight into what loneliness does to a person. We get people to think about their behavior. We teach them to be open to new contacts and train them in social skills. By always focusing on the positive, people no longer see the world through gray glasses, but through fun, colored glasses. And, not insignificantly, participants find the program fun to do! Today someone told me he missed the daily mail afterwards." 

More Contact is an individual self-help program for adults aged 18 and older who want more social contacts and who are willing to do something themselves to achieve this. Eva Geelen: "People are often shy and insecure at first. They want more contacts and a better social life. We make them aware that the key to the solution lies with them. For example, they are given instructions to engage in street chats with strangers and are also given tools to do so. By repeating this often, people become less insecure and shy and notice that it is actually not difficult at all."

Lasting friendship

Impuls employees guide participants through the training. Manager Sylvia Nievelstein: "We answer individual questions from people about the program. 

We also physically invite participants to meet at a Wijkpunt in Kerkrade to exchange experiences. Perhaps wonderful, lasting friendships will develop from that. We see that as the surplus to the offer. It would also be nice if, after completing the program, we could direct people to the activity program at the Wijkpunt. Or maybe participants get more contact in their own environment, with neighbors or family or just with someone they meet while walking the dog." 

More Contact is part of the Vie - Living on the Move program . Initially, the municipality purchased 50 licenses. Policy officer Marie-Therese Bindels-Counotte: "We are very curious about the experiences of the participants and see if there will soon be sufficient basis to purchase new licenses next year, so that we can hopefully help even more residents to feel stronger and more confident." 

How it works

Participants receive a personalized email every day for 60 days with information, awareness exercises and practice assignments. They spend about 10 minutes each day with the training.

Participation is free.
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