EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - De Koppeling Amersfoort: stimulating social activity enhances the quality of life within the district

De Koppeling Amersfoort: stimulating social activity enhances the quality of life within the district

Introduction

Kruiskamp/Koppel is a district in the city of Amersfoort with many gallery flats, anonymous open spaces, few welfare provisions and a great diversity in terms of residents. There are many social problems, long-term unemployment is relatively high, there is a great deal of unemployment among immigrants, there are many specials needs students in the schools and the perceived level of unsafety within the district is high.

Problem

The district has many residents that are socially inactive, and a high degree of social exclusion and social isolation. The key problem this project focuses on is the weak social structure within the district.

Description

The municipality is aware of the problems. Kruiskamp/Koppel therefore is one of the four priority districts in Amersfoort. It was in this district that de Koppeling was established, a centre that stimulates social activity. From this centre, the project Social Activity De Koppeling is managed, which tries to improve the social structure within the district.

The main purpose of the project is to increase the social participation of residents and to break through and prevent the social isolation of residents. The starting point is that residents are supported in shaping and developing their own qualities and wishes.

Approach

The key aspect in the method used to stimulate social activity is the link between activities as offered and individual support throughout the process. The starting point is formed by the individual capabilities, skills and wishes of (inactive) residents and these form the foundation for individual projects and the range of activities offered and measures taken within the district.

Results

Each year 28 phase-4 women take part in this project that gives women the opportunity to explore their options in terms of jobs, education, volunteer work and so on. By offering individual support, an average of 10 women find a (subsidised) job. As of 1 January 2001, this project was extended with a further project called "Social Activity De Koppeling". This project focuses on residents of the Koppel district.

One important intended effect of the project is that the method used contributes to the social cohesion and the quality of life within the district. The way in which this will be measured is that by late 2003, at least one hundred residents must have become socially active, that is to say that they must have participated in the activities within the district for at least one year and they must have made visible progress in terms of self-sufficiency and personal development.

Contact info

Stichting Banenplan
Ms C. Keus, tel. +31 33 4601390

Project start date

18/07/2001

Links

Stichting Banenplan (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation