The Client Council is here to help you, too!
It’s always nice when someone thinks things through with you and helps you get things back on track. Especially when you run into a situation or problem that you can’t quite figure out on your own. In Kerkrade, you can get free help from a “Meedenker” for this. You can also reach out through the Client Council. Lillian Lochtman shares more about the support she and the Client Council provide.
No question is too difficult
“In Kerkrade, low literacy is a major obstacle,” Lillian explains. “Many people don’t understand letters, don’t know how to apply for benefits, or don’t know what they’re entitled to—especially families with children. That’s why I always sit down with the client and walk them through the process step by step.” She lets clients do as much as possible on their own. “What you write yourself, you remember better. But no question is too much. They can ask the same question ten times—no question is too difficult.”
The requests for help they receive range from letters that people don’t understand to payment slips that need to be filled out, or questions about what needs to be arranged when a child turns 18. Sometimes the issues involve a landlord or a housing authority. The support they provide isn’t always administrative. “There are also people who, due to agoraphobia or other reasons, are unable to go grocery shopping. In those cases, I go with them or arrange for the Grocery Bus.”
They also receive many questions about pensions, especially from people who have worked abroad. “These people receive all kinds of letters and have to file applications with various agencies. We’re seeing more requests for help with this in Kerkrade than we had expected.”
Since the launch of the Meedenkers, collaboration between the Client Council, the municipality, and organizations such as the GeldWijzerWinkel has improved significantly. “When I can’t figure something out on my own, I can work it out together with my colleagues or other parties. Thanks to this strong collaboration, we can accomplish much more.”
On-site and at-home assistance
“In addition to my volunteer hours, I also set aside two hours a week to help people who can’t come to the center. I visit them at home.” Sometimes she stays involved for a longer period of time. “I keep in touch with some people. I call two of them every month to ask how they’re doing.”
What makes her work so special? The team. “I couldn’t do this job without the team. We make each other stronger. That’s how we’re there for the residents of Kerkrade together!”
Learn more
For more information about the Meedenkers, please visitwww.kerkrade.nl/meedenkers or call the Meedenkers hotline at 06-28292921.
Would you like to learn more about the Kerkrade Work & Income Client Council? Visit www.kerkrade.nl/clientenraad-werk-en-inkomen-swi-kerkrade