“A little kindness is enough”

Sometimes you have to hit your limits to know where you really want to be. For Ginho Hiwat (42), a burnout was the starting signal for a completely new path. His weekly visits as a buddy at the Regenboog Groep show how small gestures can make a world of difference, for him and for others. “I learn to listen and give space.”A little walk, doing some shopping together, or having a coffee. These are simple things, but for Ginho’s buddy, his weekly visit on Friday makes a world of difference. “My buddy doesn’t go out much. He finds it difficult due to medical and psychological challenges. That’s why it’s nice that he doesn’t have to go alone. And I actually enjoy noticing how you can make it a bit cozy with so little effort.”

From busy work to meaningful volunteer work

The difference with the work he did is significant. “When I was younger, I sought more in strength, in being tough. I worked for a gym chain and for the past 15 years mainly in security. But I ultimately wasn’t happy there. And the irregular shifts made it very tough. I ended up in a burnout and had to take a big step back.”

After a while at home, he reached out to Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam. They connected him with the Regenboog Groep, who were looking for buddies for people with a mental health background. What started as a first cautious step towards recovery became a very positive experience.

“My buddy and I have been hanging out for half a year now, and it works well for both sides. We just decided to continue for another half year. I also notice that he has become more open over time. It just feels friendly. We laugh a lot. In between appointments, we also regularly send a message or make a call.”

Reintegration and personal growth

In the meantime, Ginho is fully working on his reintegration into paid work. He is following a training to become a peer specialist. “I have experienced difficult periods myself: homelessness, emotional problems, all sorts of things. Now I am learning how to support others from that experience.” After his training, he hopes to get a job, for example at an institution for sheltered housing. From there, he wants to continue studying and developing.

Learning to listen and creating memories together

Ginho’s experience as a buddy is also a wonderful learning experience: “I mainly learn to listen better to people. I was used to having conversations quickly and purposefully. But when you give the other person time and space to talk, it yields so much more.”

Like the time they went together to the Museumwoning in Tuindorp Oostzaan, the neighborhood where his buddy comes from. “That brought so much to the surface: beautiful memories, stories from his family history. And then you could see those eyes sparkle, amazing!”

What do you need to become a buddy?

“Not much. A little interest in people, empathy. And just being kind.” Of course, there also needs to be a good connection. Ginho’s experience is that the Regenboog puts a lot of effort into finding the right match. Once he has a paid job again, Ginho just wants to continue as a volunteer at the Regenboog. “For sure. It gives me so much joy. And besides: we already do so much for ourselves every day. Why not a few hours for someone else?”

Do you also want to discover what volunteering can bring you?

Viewall possibilities onlineoffind your match in one conversation – We are happy to help you on your way!Interview: Winnie van Heesch
Photo: Peter Lange