De Kleine Burcht has been around for exactly 12 years. All those years, Haya has been there every day. She has become the go-to person in the neighborhood. People can rent or buy aids here. Residents also come by for a coffee while shopping, share concerns, or have questions. For example, about a WMO application, I think along. And a resident told me she is having surgery. I know she lives alone and asked if she could give herself injections after the procedure. That was difficult. Well, then I’ll just call the district nurse.

Grateful

Or when someones OV card expired. She wondered: “Do I have to go all the way to Alexandrium for a new one?” I explained that you can order a new one by phone for 11 euros, and that it will arrive within a few days. She was so happy. Many people are alone and sometimes feel lonely. It’s wonderful to be able to help and they are very grateful. A lady brings me 2 Kanjers every week, those delicious stroopwafels.

Workhorse 

Go-to person and working full-time, at 82 years of age. How does she do it? A lot of exercise, going to bed late and getting up early, Haya explains. I have always been a workhorse. Until I was 69, I was a teacher at Zadkine. When that stopped, the nursing home De Burcht asked if I wanted to set up the care shop. I work there 3 days a week voluntarily, the other days as an employee of Lelie Zorggroep. From the beginning, we have organized everything here and it has become a neighborhood point. I know so many residents. My daughter no longer wants to do groceries with me. We dont get anywhere because everyone talks to me.

But the care shop will close in September. With a heavy heart, the management has unfortunately decided this, says Haya. Residents are worried about how to deal with their questions. But no worries. From September 9, they can come to me. I will be in the neighborhood hub for Haya Lelies consultation 2 days a week! The municipality gives me a role as a linchpin in the neighborhood. I am very excited about it.

People, make something of your life, Haya concludes. We all need each other. New neighbors? Get to know each other. Are you alone and find it difficult to meet others? Join the many activities, I can list them. The Neighborhood Bus runs for those who are not mobile. It costs little and takes you everywhere. Super, right?

The neighborhood hub of Het Lage Land, Prinsenland, and s-Gravenland is located at Marinus Bolkplein 37. Also check the page Neighborhood Hub | rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page.

Rotterdam Neighborhood News

This message is in Rotterdam Neighborhood News, the digital newsletter of the municipality of Rotterdam. Want to stay updated on what’s happening in your area? You can sign up for the newsletter and view previous editions here. Link opens an external page.

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