EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Social investment

Social investment - Leeuwarden, the Netherlands

Introduction

"Achter de Hoven" can be characterised as a real working-class district whose residents bring a great deal of enthusiasm, opinions and involvement to their neighbourhood. Many residents, however, are also socially vulnerable, especially children, young people and the aged. The solution is to strengthen the social networks and the image of the Achter de Hoven district.

Problem

The number of households in the district that live off of a low income is relatively large. Social cohesion in the district is no longer a matter-of-course as it once was. In recent years, negative aspects of the district have often been in the news and this has tarnished its image.

Description

In Achter de Hoven, a social investment will be made by and with residents. For this purpose, a package of activities will be developed in the area. To this end, the municipality has formulated the following points of departure:

the package will have to comprise a mix of activities, which will on average offer something for every resident;
extra attention needs to be paid to children, young people and the aged;
the activities must also have a positive image;
the activities must fit in with the district’s existing facilities and be realised in cooperation with the existing district participants;
involving residents, schools, the community centre and other establishments in Achter de Hoven plays an essential role in this.

Approach

The package will be further worked out by an external partner in the district. To this end, a rough 'basic implementation plan' will be made for the years 2004 to 2006. Additionally, the various activities will be further worked out each year in a separate implementation plan, after which the activities can be started independently.

Results

The Municipality of Leeuwarden wants to strengthen the social cohesion of the residents by organising activities. By stimulating cooperation between community bodies, the Municipality of Leeuwarden wants to achieve a lasting effect. Finally, the municipality aims to use the activities to give the socially vulnerable groups in the district something to hold onto so that they can independently improve their situation.

Contact info

City of Leeuwarden
A. Geurden, tel. +31 58 2338560

Project start date

01/03/2004

Links

City of Leeuwarden

Social Investment in Leeuwarden (PDF, Dut, 75 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation