What if you are single, have to go to the hospital urgently and your pets are left alone? Or what if something happens to you while you’re home alone? Zoetermeer Kristina doesn’t want anyone to have to worry about that.
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We speak with 41-year-old Kristina. She is of British origin, but she has been living in our beautiful Zoetermeer for about 17 years now. ”I live in the Leyens, a very nice and cozy neighbourhood. People really care about each other here. For example, a man with dementia lives nearby whose wife recently died. Now one of the neighbors comes to help him every day. It’s great that people are there for each other here.” Kristina worked for the emergency service for ten years in the past and arranged rapid assistance in the event of gas leaks and power failures, for example. “Unfortunately I can no longer work due to a nervous disorder. That’s why I do all sorts of things as a volunteer now.”
Initiative for singles
Last March, Kristina set up a Facebook page: Community Welfare Services. Her intention is to realize an emergency service for single Zoetermeer residents. Kristina: ”The idea came from several circumstances. Including my demented neighbour, who was left alone after the death of his wife. But also because of my own situation. I recently became single and I have two dogs. I think it is very important that someone looks after me and especially my pets, should something happen.” For the past few weeks, Kristina and a single friend have been texting each other every day to check if everything is going well. However, Kristina knows that many other single people don’t have such an option. “Some people don’t have acquaintances living nearby who can keep an eye on things.”
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Database and key service
Kristina is now working on a database for single Zoetermeer residents. By means of a message or an app, they can let you know every day that everything is going well. Should something happen and the registered person does not respond, the address will be checked by a volunteer (after telephone contact attempts). If something is going on, for example an unexpected hospital admission, volunteers will take care of any pets. Kristina: “For many people, this is a major concern for which there is no solution yet. In emergency situations, medical matters and possible next of kin are considered, but pets are often forgotten. Sometimes they are left alone for days.”
Sometimes pets are left alone for days
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Full of volunteers
With her background, Kristina is quite capable of setting up such a system herself. ”I have experience in IT, so this suits me well. And because of my work in the emergency service, I have experience with emergency situations. The intention is therefore that every neighborhood in Zoetermeer will have a number of reliable volunteers, but that I will continue to oversee and manage everything myself.” Despite the fact that Kristina has only just set up her initiative, the registrations of volunteers are already pouring in. “It goes really fast. It is nice to see how many people in Zoetermeer are selflessly willing to work for others.”
Help residents
Kristina is currently applying for a grant. According to Kristina, all registered volunteers are carefully checked and there is regular consultation with other organizations, such as the Red Cross. “The initiatives that have been launched so far, such as the Red Cross call circle, are somewhat limited. Younger generations do not use it. Other solutions, such as an emergency button, are sometimes very expensive. My goal is to set up something that is accessible and free. Something that benefits many Zoetermeer residents, both singles and their family members.” Kristina wants to contribute to her congregation in this way. She hopes that she can quickly proceed with her plans. ”It’s a pity that an application takes a while, especially because you know that something can happen to someone in the meantime. Hopefully this can be prevented in the future!”
Want to read more information or become a member of Community Welfare Services? Look here.
Who is the next Zoetermeer of the week?
Do you also have a special story? Or do you know a Zoetermeer that we really need to interview? Let us know at [email protected]