The "Onze Wegwijzer" drop-in center at the Weeffabriek is changing; support services will be moving into the neighborhoods

An accessible drop-in center for help and support

Since 2024, Geldrop-Mierlo has had an accessible drop-in center for help and support at the Weeffabriek and Hof van Bethanië. At various times throughout the week, volunteers from Onze Wegwijzer are on hand to answer questions about housing, finances, Health , and well-being. They do this on behalf of LangerThuisWijzer, the Financiële Werkplaats, LEVgroep, and the CMD. These organizations work across their own boundaries and put the resident first. As a result, Onze Wegwijzer has proven to be a unique and forward-thinking concept.

National trends call for a new approach

National policy developments now call for stronger, integrated services that are close to residents. That is why a new form of support is needed: the so-called “strong local team.” A robust local team is an accessible organization where residents can turn for advice, help, and support. The team considers issues across various areas of life in an integrated manner, focusing on the entire family or household, underlying causes, and recurring patterns. Where possible, the resident remains in control. The team provides support directly, collaborates with relevant partners, and helps strengthen the social fabric in neighborhoods. In doing so, there is a greater emphasis on preventive, accessible, and collective solutions. To operate according to these principles, the concept of “Onze Wegwijzer” must be further developed.

SeniorenPunt: the in-person service center for housing, Health , and well-being

Against this backdrop, the municipality, Anna Zorggroep, and SeniorenPunt—acting in part on behalf of the housing associations Wooninc. and Woonbedrijf—discussed the importance of a one-stop shop for housing, “ Health ,” and well-being for seniors. Together, we concluded that it is valuable to continue providing this support to residents in a new format. Vitalis will take over the role previously held by Anna Zorggroep and, together with the housing authorities Wooninc. and Woonbedrijf, will implement the SeniorenPunt Geldrop-Mierlo initiative. Anna Zorggroep will remain involved as a partner in the local network.

The joint service desk will therefore continue as SeniorenPunt Geldrop-Mierlo and remain the point of contact for housing, Health , and well-being for seniors. Starting November 1, residents are welcome to visit every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with or without an appointment, in the meeting room at Kastanjehof in Geldrop. SeniorenPunt also has a website,www.seniorenpunt.nl, and can be reached by phone Monday through Friday mornings at 040 220 22 02.

Digital Platform: THE STEP Toward a Healthier Lifestyle

By the end of this year, the digital guide will also be discontinued and merged into “DE STAP naar gezonder.” On“DE STAP naar gezonder ” ( ), you’ll find all kinds of information, activities, and useful tools that let you get started right away without having to go to your primary care physician, health insurer, or any other place first. Currently, 188 organizations (“partners”) are participating in this initiative. These include, for example, groups of general practitioners, municipalities, and Health —as well as social service agencies—but also health insurers, companies, and educational institutions.