"Marjolein is here for the fun things!"

It's Monday morning, and today we've arranged to meet Marjolein at the beautiful Groot Schuylenburg. She is Ramon's buddy, and today she is visiting him again. Meeting Ramon immediately lifted our spirits, and we received a very warm welcome. What a cheerful way to start a new week on a Monday morning!

Ramon is very happy to see Marjolein again and excitedly shares his weekend adventures. He visited Drenthe to see the hunebedden, went visiting, ate pancakes, and had many more experiences that he loves to talk about.

Marjolein visits Ramon about once a month, and they always go on a fun outing together. These outings vary greatly. "I often don’t plan far in advance and decide the same week what we’re going to do, so I can also check if the weather is good," says Marjolein. "We plan the outings spontaneously, so it’s a surprise for Ramon and not an expectation that could lead to disappointment if things don’t go as planned. This way, I can also easily fit it around my work. It’s nice that I can coordinate this well with the support team."

For Ramon, the outings are always fantastic. It’s a special time just for him, and he truly gets to escape. Ramon loves talking about the outings with Marjolein. When asked what he enjoys doing, he eagerly responds. "Having an ice cream at IJs van Co!" he exclaims immediately. He also mentions the steam train, a trip to Zutphen, eating pancakes, and visiting Intratuin during Christmas with great enthusiasm! In short, Marjolein is all about the fun things.

"The outings are a big party for Ramon, but certainly also for me," says Marjolein. "She is a friend to me!" Ramon exclaims enthusiastically. Marjolein agrees and sees Ramon as a friend who gives her a lot of energy. "Ramon’s cheerfulness and warmth are so enlightening and very disarming," Marjolein explains. We definitely noticed this, as everyone is greeted warmly, and a friendly chat is shared with everyone. "Marjan!!!" Ramon calls out exuberantly to an acquaintance, and we have many pleasant stops during our walk.

By the end of the morning, we are completely recharged. The connection between Marjolein and Ramon is fantastic to see and genuinely uplifting. We have truly experienced the energy you get as a buddy and what it brings to the other person, but also to yourself. If you want to become a buddy too, Marjolein has a tip. "Find what really suits you and make sure there is a connection. I enjoy going on outings, but there are also buddies needed for other activities that might suit someone else better."

Inge, the Volunteer Coordinator at ’s Heeren Loo in Apeldoorn, can certainly confirm this. "We are always looking for enthusiastic buddies who can make a difference in the lives of our clients. These can be caring, calm, and kind buddies, but also enthusiastic, cheerful, and direct people. Buddies who like to be outdoors or those who are creative or perhaps musical. Buddies who enjoy socializing or those who seek peace and quiet. Sometimes it’s an hour a week, and sometimes it’s a part of a day each month. During the week, during the day, in the evening, or on the weekend. In short, everyone is welcome, and I’d love to meet you. Together we’ll see who might suit you and what makes you happy. You then meet your buddy and their support team without any obligation, and only if there is a mutual connection will a registration process follow. Each group has a contact person for the volunteers, ensuring that the volunteer gets the right tools and information. Additionally, as a volunteer, you can follow online training courses specifically developed for volunteers."