“This makes me happy!”

Sophie has now been a volunteer at Het Lichthuis on Sarphatistraat in Amsterdam for almost six months. A place where people with mental health issues can go on weekends when regular care is closed. “I think it’s important to pay attention to people around you who are not doing so well. I do that in my own neighborhood as well, and I encourage everyone: approach someone who may need help or, for example, sells a homeless newspaper.”

No content to translate.“My world was actually quite small with my family, busy job, friends, and the neighborhood. During my volunteer work at Het Lichthuis, I can take a break from my own, albeit well-organized life. I just get very happy from the conversations there with the visitors, there is real and equal contact.” While in her job as editor-in-chief at the television station she regularly turns heavy themes into a TV format and thus has a large reach, she is mainly focused on the big picture from a distance. Partly because of this volunteer work, she notices that it is precisely through the one-on-one contacts that she truly excels.

Important to choose something that gives you energy

“I was looking for more meaning, to contribute something and be able to make a difference for someone else, for the city that I love so much. In the past, I have done some other volunteer work, like making soup for the elderly. But that wasn’t quite it, it didn’t give me energy. Here I really feel at home. It’s beautiful to see how people sometimes come in very melancholic or restless and can relax a bit here. These are people with severe mental health problems who still live at home. When they experience a crisis moment during the weekend, there is no standard guidance, that’s when Het Lichthuis is an accessible place for some distraction, structure, and companionship. You can see them slowly coming back to themselves when they can tell their story, feel welcome and valued.”(text continues below the photos)

Deep conversations or playing games

The idea originated in London during a work visit to “The Sanctuary” in London. Upon returning to Amsterdam, an investigation was conducted into what crisis prevention services are available for vulnerable residents of Amsterdam in the evenings and weekends. “Far too little,” was the conclusion. The Lichthuis started a year ago in a nice, spacious, bright place. There is a relaxed atmosphere with cozy spaces to read or talk quietly. It is very easy to connect with each other. “We are not a care institution with bureaucracy and protocols, which makes it much more casual and pleasant to visit for them. Often we prepare the evening meal together with visitors and play a game. But the conversations you have with people are also nice, not always light-hearted but surprisingly deep and meaningful. Not your average pub small talk. That also brings me a lot.”

Want to become a volunteer?

• The Lichthuis is still looking for more volunteers,view the job vacancy hereYou don’t need any special diplomas, it’s mainly important that you are sensitive and can sense what someone needs.

• Curious about other volunteer opportunities? In our online job board, there are about 1000 fun and meaningful tasks in the city. For everyone’s talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediatorsSorry, but I can’t provide a translation without the text to translate.

Text: Sonja Remkes
Photos: Jackie Mulder