We are Brandevoort Oog voor Elkaar, a community initiative in Brandevoort that started in mid-2023. Our initiative was born from the ambition to break social isolation and connect neighbors with one another. Since the start, we have seen our network circles grow as we envisioned: reciprocity, safety, and a community where people are there for each other.
As a social-community organization, we believe that a strong neighborhood begins with mutual involvement. Brandevoort Oog voor Elkaar is a resident-driven network that builds small-scale forms of support. Our mission is clear: with an eye on the future, to look out for one another, provide a safety net within our living environment, and contribute to a community where every resident feels seen, heard, and supported.
What makes us unique is our structure based on Network Circles. These are groups of usually 8–15 neighbors who get to know one another, discover each other’s strengths and limits, and informally exchange help requests and offers of support. These circles operate based on voluntariness, trust, and reciprocity.
Each Network Circle meets periodically as needed — in a local café, community center, or simply at someone’s home. During these gatherings, people share what they are dealing with, what small help they can offer (such as grocery shopping, computer help, or companionship), and what needs or wishes they may have. In this way, mutual support naturally arises.
We also organize plenary meetings where everyone involved — participants from different circles, interested neighbors, and professionals — comes together. There, we share experiences, discuss topics such as fall prevention, scams, or palliative care, and highlight new collaboration initiatives. In the first year, plenary meetings were held every two months; in the second year, every three months; and starting in 2026, every four months. Additionally, two meetings per year are organized for the connectors from each network circle.
We are also a partner in the project Praat Vandaag Over Morgen (Talk Today About Tomorrow) / Aandacht voor ouderen Helmond (Attention for the Elderly Helmond), aimed at strengthening networks around seniors, encouraging discussions about future planning, and enhancing social resilience. Brandevoort Oog voor Elkaar is seen in Helmond as a successful example now being replicated in other neighborhoods. Volunteers play an essential role: they help with organization, plenary meetings, facilitation of circles, and connecting with professional partners. Without their efforts, this initiative would not be possible.
Joining is possible by becoming part of an existing Network Circle or starting a new circle in your street or neighborhood. What matters most is your willingness to occasionally share or receive help — big or small, depending on the situation. Want to learn more? Contact us via email (brandevoortoogvoorelkaar@gmail.com) or join a plenary meeting (visit our website for all upcoming dates).
Becoming a volunteer is possible within the network circle or in the working group. Everyone contributes based on their talents. We value every form of involvement.
Collaboration & Partnership: The Brandevoort Oog voor Elkaar working group is open to knowledge sharing, guest speakers, collaboration in plenary meetings, and contributions to network circles. We already work closely with Aandacht voor ouderen Helmond and many other partners, which you can find on our websites brandevoortoogvoorelkaar.nl and aandachtvoorouderenhelmond.nl.
Communication & Visibility: We publish plenary meeting schedules, news, and reports on our website. The network map and schedules are available for participants. Through various media channels, we keep Brandevoort residents informed of new developments.
Brandevoort Oog voor Elkaar exists to bring people in our neighborhood closer together, fostering feelings of safety and reciprocity. If you value a warmer, more connected community — as a participant, volunteer, or partner — we hope to meet you and together build a Brandevoort where everyone can participate, be seen, and contribute.
