City of Bruges tackles loneliness

Four people from Bruges die of a lonely death in 2017. An action plan was needed, the city felt. Since then, you can contact a hotline if you are concerned about a possible loneliness of a neighbour, acquaintance or family member. Five years later, it turns out that this happens several times a week.

With numerous projects, the city wants to further break through the taboo and especially focus on the young people of Bruges. They were also sometimes lonely during corona.

Projects

chat buddy

Chat buddies check in with their buddies to find out how they’re doing. Can they manage? Do they need a chat about everyday topics?

You can sign up at [email protected]

Light up your neighborhood

Square Against Loneliness is also the Square for Connectedness in the autumn. During ‘Enlighten your Neighborhood’ we offer free postcards. On these postcards you can write a heartwarming message for neighbors, friends or acquaintances. Other possible recipients are a social association or residential care center in the area.

The longest chair

Every year, in May/June, the city of Bruges calls on its residents to put a chair or table outside and to appreciate the connection.

lonely funeral

Every resident of Bruges deserves a personal and valuable farewell. A personalized text will be provided at the funeral. This is read by a volunteer. All texts are collected on the site of Vierkant Tegen Loneliness.

“It is often thought that it concerns seniors who are lonely. But we have noticed – certainly due to corona – that loneliness often also occurs among young people. We also notice that it is quite an adjustment to arrive in Bruges with newcomers. find their way. In other words, addressing new target groups and involving them in social life. That is certainly one of the objectives,” says Veerle Van Vynckt of OCMW Brugge.