From online connections to offline encounters in Weert and Nederweert
Punt Welzijn, a service-oriented welfare organization in Weert and Nederweert, works to improve livability in the neighborhoods and encourage residents to make the most of themselves. They focus on various target groups, ranging from children to seniors and from caregivers to newcomers. In 2019, the organization started using the online platform of Hoplr. This platform proved to be an effective way to connect people, match help requests, and strengthen social cohesion in the neighborhood. We spoke with Bouke Kouters, Neighborhood Worker and Social Worker, about his experiences. 
Improving neighbourhood livability.
Bouke enthusiastically talks about his role. It’s clear to see that he has a passion for his work.
“As a Neighborhood Worker and Social Worker at Punt Welzijn, I am responsible for improving livability in the Boshoven neighborhood, one of the 17 neighborhoods in Weert. Our organization is broadly structured into three teams: ‘Growing Up’, ‘Living Together’, and ‘Healthy Lifestyle.’ Neighborhood work falls under ‘Living Together.’ Daily, we are engaged in making society better, and we believe that bringing people together makes everything more enjoyable and meaningful.”
“About four years ago, we got in touch with Hoplr through the municipality. They gave us a presentation, and we immediately became enthusiastic. We then started working with the Hoplr Neighborhood Network with the ‘Living Together’ team.”
100% Score for matching help requests.
We asked Bouke about the challenges Punt Welzijn faced before using the online platform.
“One of our biggest challenges was the increasing number of help requests after the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more residents needed a helping hand, whether it be for groceries, walking the dog, or tidying up the garden.”
“These were small help requests, yet it was difficult to find people in the neighborhood who could assist. People are asking each other for help less and less, because they’re afraid, but also because they don’t know where to find each other. The Neighborhood Network tool from Hoplr proved to be a useful tool for matching these requests with volunteers from the neighborhood. It is very specia because, so far, we have a 100% score for matching supply and demand.”
“NEIGHBORS NOW SAY HELLO TO EACH OTHER AT THE JUMBO OR ALBERT HEIJN. ONLINE CONTACT MAKES OFFLINE MEETINGS EASIER.”
Bouke Kouters, Buurtwerker en Sociaal werker
Insight into neighborhood needs.
Bouke also mentions another challenge that the online platform addresses.
“So Hoplr helps greatly in matching help requests. This way, we can offer people in the neighborhood the help they need. Another major advantage of the Neighborhood Network is that we now have much better insight into the neighborhood’s needs.”
“Where we previously struggled to clearly map out supply and demand, we now know exactly what’s going on. For example, there was a lady who wanted to give a dance course to the neighborhood, but she didn’t know where to start. She then made contact through Hoplr. We now know, at a glance, which services can be provided and what is being asked for. It’s really great.”
“HOPLR SAVES US TIME. WE NOW HAVE 5500 ACTIVE ACCOUNTS.”
Bouke Kouters, Buurtwerker en Sociaal werker
Less time spent matching help requests.
When asked about the implementation process, Bouke is clear: “Of course, starting up and rolling out takes time. You need to inform people in the neighborhood well about the platform. What it does, how it works, and how they can benefit from it themselves. This takes a while. But ultimately, it has saved us a lot of time as a welfare organization.”
“Where I used to spend time matching help requests, many residents now do this entirely themselves. I don’t see Hoplr as a tool for us as an organization. But rather as a tool for the neighborhood, because neighbors can take it upon themselves to use it.”
In the future, Punt Welzijn will continue to collaborate with Hoplr to strengthen neighborhood connections and encourage neighborly assistance in Weert. The collaboration between welfare organizations, the municipality, and digital platforms proves to be a strong foundation for an involved and supportive society. Want to know more about what Hoplr can mean for your neighborhood? Then get in touch. We’re happy to explore the possibilities together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I as a resident access the online platform to ask for help or offer help in my neighborhood?
As a resident, you can access the online platform by registering at www.hoplr.com, through a website or mobile app. Once registered, you can ask for or offer help and participate in neighborhood activities and discussions.
What types of help requests are typically addressed on the Hoplr online platform in Weert and Nederweert?
The Hoplr online platform addresses a wide range of help requests, ranging from small tasks such as grocery shopping or dog walking to more complex needs such as companionship, transportation, or household chores. Residents can support each other with various daily tasks that can improve their quality of life.
How is my privacy protected when I share personal information on the Hoplr online platform?
Hoplr has strict privacy guidelines and procedures to protect users’ personal information. All data is treated confidentially and only shared with relevant parties involved in providing support. Users have control over what information they want to share and with whom, and their privacy is respected.
