“She takes the time for me”

25 October 2025

Interview with buddies Heleen Ophof and Jan-Willem Reijmerink

Heleen Ophof (35) knows from personal experience what it’s like to be lonely and how important it is to have contact with people when you’re going through a tough time. During those lonely periods, she also struggled with addiction. Now, she has been clean for a few years, is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Experience Expert in Health and Welfare, and is a buddy of Jan-Willem Reijmerink (50).

Why did you start doing this volunteer work?“I found a lot of value in a coach with experiential knowledge during a difficult period, it made talking so much easier. It already seemed like a beautiful profession to me back then, and I have since decided to develop myself into an experiential expert as well. This volunteer work is therefore both enjoyable and educational for me.”

“This volunteer work is therefore both enjoyable and educational for me”

How was the first contact?“That was quite exciting. The coordinator who was supposed to be there was sick. I went anyway, and the conversation flowed easily. Jan Willem is very open and approachable. We share a dark sense of humor, often eat together, cook for each other. During the pandemic, we went on many walks with Jan Willem’s dog.”Does your contact have a purpose?“In this project, the participant is supposed to set a goal for themselves. For Jan-Willem, this was to tidy up his house and start doing volunteer work. We casually revisit this in our conversations. I’m not really into step-by-step plans.”What do you mean to Jan-Willem?“I hope I am someone he can discuss everything with without shame. I also hope that I contribute a little to him starting to look at himself more positively because he is a great guy and has achieved a lot in the past year! He has even started his own training to become an expert by experience. I am very proud of him!”

What do you gain from this volunteer work?“I get a lot of energy from it. It is an intensive contact and there is a lot of recognition. Because of him, I have also started to look at myself more positively. And it is very cozy!”Jan-Willem Reijmerink (50) became unemployed a few years ago. After the death of his mother, losing his job, and a relationship breakup, he went through a very difficult period.

How did you get in touch with Heleen?“I was recommended the buddy project of the Regenboog Groep by my therapist. At first, I struggled with it, as I prefer to handle things on my own. But I was feeling really down, lonely, and in need of connection. After a conversation with the project coordinator, I felt motivated. Within one week, they had found Heleen for me. I still remember when she showed up at my door. Exciting. She turned out to have the same sense of humor, and it quickly felt familiar.”

“I try to give negative experiences a positive twist.”

How often do you see each other?“Weekly. Once every six weeks, we can go on an outing, to a museum or something. Heleen is a sounding board for me. She gives her perspective on things that sometimes contradict mine. That makes me think.”What does this contact bring you?“I have come to understand my feelings better. I try to give negative experiences a positive twist. That’s why I have started the course Expert by Experience. I also want to help others in their search, just like Heleen.”What do you like most about Heleen?“It is a fantastic person. Hyper intelligent and humorous. A loving individual. She takes the time for me.”

Buddies at De Regenboog Groep

With a large group of people in Amsterdam, things are not going well: they are lonely, have been addicted, fled to the Netherlands, have mental health problems, or debts. De Regenboog Groep connects volunteers with these vulnerable Amsterdammers. As a volunteer, you meet with your buddy once a week or every two weeks. The activity varies from having coffee together, exercising, or taking a walk, helping someone with administration, cooking together, playing a board game, or practicing Dutch. You stay in touch with each other for at least six months.Want to become a buddy too? Check outwww.vca.nu/gappie

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