We are Flexiforum - Look Different and Team Participation

In the coming weeks, we will introduce you to some of Flexiforum's tenants. They will talk about their experiences with this striking building and how they are building a new community together. This time we are talking to Karel Arzt from Kijk Anders and Ilija Pavicic & Manon Quanjel from Team Participation of the municipality of Kerkrade.

Karel Arzt, Look Different

Karel Arzt felt that after 35 years of policing and eight years working for the municipality, it was time for something different. "The time of may instead of must, for me the basis to start Kijk Anders. What I do is literally in the name
'Look Different': I teach people to look at people in a different way. In order to learn to look differently, Karel followed a number of studies. I transfer my knowledge and experience in workshops, trainings, education and during teambuilding days.

I give participants a number of "tools" that allow them to look at people in a different way. In this way they get to know not only the other person, but themselves better. Teaching people to judge less is an important challenge in my approach. Often such judgment is not justified and originates from one's own world of experience."

Karel can be found in his own practice space in the Flexiforum, which is also home to his wife, Daniëlla, a coach and energetic therapist. She works from a treatment room across from Karel's office. They find the location
perfect: "Flexiforum is a pleasant working environment, has charisma, is centrally located and you can park for free.

Cluster Municipality of Kerkrade

Ilija & Manon are currently working as managers in Team Participation at the municipality of Kerkrade. "One of our roles takes place in what they call these days the 'front office': the first place you can go as a resident with questions about work, income, support and/or Health. We look at how to provide appropriate help to these people," Ilija said. "We bring the specific question and situation into Map, in order to advise our residents as well as possible within the social domain," Manon adds.

Self-reliance in terms of living, working and housing is central to this. "Another important role of team Participation, is complementary in the 'midoffice'. Together they mainly look at what someone can do. So we mainly look at the possibilities. There are various ways to provide for your own income, such as a (part-time) job, the support to a promising profession or to school," says Manon. The moment a resident receives an income provision from the municipality of Kerkrade, colleagues from the financial department (the back office) ensure a timely and correct payment.
ensure a timely and correct payment.

According to Ilija, residents sometimes need personal attention in multiple areas of life. "We then bring them into contact with the relevant colleagues or (assistance) agencies. They will work with that resident to find the most appropriate
solution and will also provide further support." Ilija and Manon also see added value of locating in the Flexiforum. The dynamics within the building and the fact that you are constantly in contact with the resident, colleagues, organizations and companies make the Flexiforum a unique and pleasant place to work.

The opportunities are there for the taking!

Team Participation and Look Different like to learn from each other. They definitely see potential added value in hooking up
to each other's services. The form in which a cooperation could come about is still completely open, because the possibilities are endless. Ilija and Manon can well imagine Karel providing a workshop or training for team Participation. "We certainly know that a different view of the person opposite you can add an extra dimension to our field of vision. After all, we work with people all day long and try to assess the personal situation as best we can. There are plenty of interesting ideas for collaboration. That, too, is the strength of this location.

After all, a lot of things come together in Flexiforum: meeting people, cooking together, learning together, playing sports. Many tenants also fit together. For example, with the food bank, the exchange store, and the company school for apprentice installation technicians
cooperation is obvious. A cup of coffee and a good conversation will get you a long way. The opportunities are there for the taking!"