Geldrop-Mierlo wants everyone to be able to participate
Reading, writing, math, and using a computer or smartphone. For many people, these things are a given. But that’s not true for everyone. About one in five residents of Helmond-De Peel aged 16 to 75 has difficulty with one or more of these basic skills. The seven municipalities in the region, including Geldrop-Mierlo, are therefore joining forces to address this issue.
Asten, Deurne, Gemert-Bakel, Helmond, Laarbeek, Someren, and Geldrop-Mierlo have reached agreements on this matter in the Helmond-De Peel Regional Basic Skills Program 2026–2030. An estimated 39,200 residents in the region are affected. Struggling with basic skills can make daily life difficult—for example, when reading a letter, filling out a form, managing finances, or using a computer. These skills can also be important in the workplace.
Achieve Better Results Faster
Municipalities want to reach residents who need help more effectively and sooner. That is why they are going to collaborate more closely with organizations that have frequent contact with residents—such as libraries, employers, and social service organizations. Assistance with basic life skills will also be integrated more fully into other forms of support, such as assistance with financial concerns, debt, family issues, and healthy aging.
Special Attention
Special attention is being given to people looking for work. An estimated 7,300 unemployed residents in the region struggle with basic skills. To address this, the municipalities are collaborating with the Regional Employment Center, the UWV, and Senzer. Clear communication is also important. Residents must be able to easily understand letters and information from the municipality and other organizations. And they must be able to easily find out where they can get help.
Bringing Help Closer
“There’s often a whole story behind difficulties with reading, writing, or digital matters. Sometimes people don’t dare to ask for help or are afraid of making mistakes. That’s exactly why it’s important that we bring help closer to home and assist residents in an accessible way. No one should feel like they’re on their own. By working together, we can ensure that more residents can participate,” says Hanneke Meulendijk, Alderman .
Where can residents go for help?
There are already several places in the region where residents can get free assistance. For example, digiTaalhuizen help people read letters, fill out forms, or practice the Dutch language. At a Digital Government Information Point (IDO), residents can get help with digital matters—such as applying for a DigiD, arranging benefits, or applying for welfare.
Starting in 2027, the municipalities will assess each year how many residents are being reached by the initiative and what results it is yielding. This will allow them to continue improving their support.