The Uniformed Personnel Meeting Center is here to help you, too
It’s always nice when someone helps you figure things out when you’re stuck. Through “Meedenkers,” you can get free support, including at the Parkstad Uniformed Personnel Meeting Center (G.O.C. Parkstad). Founder Piet Heuts explains more about the role of G.O.C. Parkstad within “Meedenkers.”
“We got started in our own living room in late 2012. In 2016, we were given our own space, provided by the municipality of Kerkrade. We’ve been affiliated with Meedenkers since 2021.” G.O.C. Parkstad serves a broad audience: “We’re here for all uniformed personnel—both current and former—their families, and anyone who cares deeply about this community. This includes police, firefighters, paramedics, the military, and law enforcement officers. But funeral directors or neighbors of uniformed personnel can also turn to us, and we help German uniformed personnel as well.”
He emphasizes how important it is to also be mindful of the people around those in uniform. “If you want to know how someone in uniform is doing, you shouldn’t ask that person directly, but their partner. That’s the person who’s going through the change.”
That is why the G.O.C. organizes special events for family members and friends, such as a separate drop-in session on the first Tuesday of every month and a monthly community meal, where you can join us for a hot meal.
A warm and cozy gathering place
However, the center is more than just a place for people seeking help. “We’re not here just for people with problems. Many people come just to enjoy the atmosphere. We’re a community where it’s not always about problems, trauma, or other requests for help, but rather about camaraderie.”
That’s why we’ve deliberately created a cozy, home-like atmosphere. “You can come to us for a good conversation, but also to relax a bit. People often say, ‘When I walked in, it felt like coming home!’”
Accessibility also plays a major role, Piet explains. “For a small fee, people can eat, drink, or participate in group activities here. That’s how we create a place without barriers.”
The G.O.C. works closely with other organizations within the Meedenkers network. “When problems arise, people are sometimes referred to us. And if something falls outside our area of expertise, we refer them to other partners.”
According to Piet, the essence of his work remains the same: “We don’t judge or condemn; we listen. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s actually a sign of strength.” Sometimes that help comes just in time. He tells the story of a veteran who was brought in by the Venlo Police. “He had his back against the wall and was at a dead end. I sat with him until early in the morning. He was able to unload his ‘full bucket’ with someone who understood him and listened.”
Engage a G.O.C. Parkstad Consultant
Would you like to speak with a G.O.C. Parkstad advisor? You can drop by during business hours at Berenbosweg 1A. They are open Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Or send an email to gocparkstadkerkrade@gmail.com. In the event of an acute crisis, someone is available 24 hours a day at 06-54732746.
For the latest information, follow their Facebook page at or join the group GOC Parkstad / Group.
For more information about the Meedenkers, visit www.kerkrade.nl/meedenkers