Councillor gains an insight into Lelystad’s social fabric
Meeting, connecting, volunteering and looking out for one another. These are concepts that often crop up when discussing the social fabric. But what do they mean in everyday practice? To experience this for himself, Councillor Jan-Nico Appelman visited Welzijn Lelystad at the Atolplaza community centre on Thursday 25 June.
Real-life stories
The social fabric comprises all the people, networks and organisations that help residents to get involved, build relationships and find their way around the neighbourhood and the city. During the visit, the councillor gained an insight into what this looks like on a day-to-day basis through the stories shared by colleagues. ‘These stories provide an insight into what happens on the ground. That’s where you really see how policy takes shape,’ said Appelman.
Supporting and connecting
Colleagues from various fields explained how they maintain a visible presence in the neighbourhood, pick up on signs of need and help residents move forward. Sometimes by offering young people a place where they can be themselves, sometimes by connecting residents with voluntary work, or by giving a temporary helping hand to people who have hit a rough patch. Not as a care worker, but as a supporter and connector.
Encouraging people to get involved
Despite the differences in their work, the common thread was clear: being there, bringing people together and ensuring that residents can participate in society. Managing Director Marieke Voogt: ‘It’s wonderful to see how everyone speaks passionately about their work and what it means to residents.’
Guided tour of Atolplaza
During the tour of Atolplaza, it became clear how all these functions come together. In the community room, visitors met up for a chat and a cup of coffee. For some visitors, these connections have now become so natural that they also meet up outside the community room. It shows how a simple encounter can grow into a connection.
Strong community
‘And that is precisely what the social fabric is all about: in the neighbourhoods, close to residents. Where people meet, look out for one another and work together to build a strong community. That is where policy becomes reality,’ summarises Marieke Voogt.
