The Uniformed Meeting Center also thinks with you
It's always nice to have someone think with you and help you get things back in order. Especially if you are faced with a situation or problem that is difficult to solve on your own. You can enlist the help of a Thinker free of charge. One way to do this is through the Geiformeerden Ontmoetingscentrum Parkstad. Founder Piet Heuts tells more about the role of G.O.C. Parkstad with the Meedenkers.
What is G.O.C. Parkstad?
'Stichting G.O.C. Parkstad is an organization founded in 2013. Since 2016 we have had our own location, made available by the municipality of Kerkrade. Here people can come several days a week for a cup of coffee or a chat.'
Who are you there for?
'We are there for (former) uniformed people and their families, for example employees of defense, police, fire, ambulance and enforcement. We have been affiliated with the Meedenkers since 2021.'
What kinds of questions can people come forward with?
'We offer social and community support to people in uniformed professions. Some just need a friendly chat during one of our walk-in days, but others also need support or guidance when talking to agencies. In addition, you can come to us with questions about laws and regulations, money and Health. Also people who want more information on a subject like post-traumatic stress (PTSD) can come to us.
Can other people come to you as well?
'For the loved ones of uniformed people, we have a separate drop-in moment on the first Tuesday of every month. That is, for example, the partner, parents, brother, sister, son or daughter of a (former) uniformed person.'
Do you use the venue for other purposes as well?
'In an extreme emergency, we may accommodate someone at our location for a few days. That may be the case if someone cannot stay at home for a while due to a crisis situation.'
What achievement are you most proud of?
"It is difficult to name one particular situation that we are proud of. Every request for help is different and every person needs different support. For example, we are proud of our volunteers who, thanks in part to the G.O.C., are able to participate in society or get back to work. But we are also proud of the people we have taken care of at our location and who were able to pick up their lives again or make a new start.'
Can you cite an example?
"Our last crisis shelter involved a person who had been living on the streets for years due to circumstances. A few weeks ago he found a pass from ABP where he reported. ABP contacted us asking if he could come to us so he wouldn't have to live in the cold on the streets. He stayed with us for a while while ABP took care of all things for him. Now he is temporarily living somewhere else and waiting for a home of his own. During the time he stayed with us he did all kinds of small jobs. This helped everyone: he got his day done faster and our chore list got shorter.'
Would you like to hire a Thinker from G.O.C. Parkstad?
During business hours, you can drop in at the location on Bear Forest Road 1A. You can also send an email to gocparkstadkerkrade@gmail.com. In acute crisis situations, a support worker can be reached 24 hours a day at 06-54732746.
G.O.C. Parkstad is open Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., closed Tuesday, Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information about the Thinkers, visit www.kerkradewijzer.nl/meedenkers.