Hans is a mentor

Mentorship enriches your world Hans works as a volunteer as a mentor at Stichting Mentorschap Noordwest en Midden. He has four clients with intellectual disabilities, whom he supports in making decisions in care and welfare. He doesn't have to think twice about why he became a mentor: 'Because I find it fascinating to delve into a client, to get a good contact. That way you can represent their interests as well as possible'. Stichting Mentorschap Noordwest en Midden offers mentorship to people who are unable to manage their own care and well-being due to illness or a disability. And have no family or friends to support them in this. The Foundation is appointed by the court as legal representative and advocate for this purpose. The voluntary mentors who work at the Foundation carry out the mentorship with a mandate. Just nice and cozy Hans has clients of different levels, with which the degree of contact also differs. 'The contact with some clients is good and it is also just fun and pleasant, like with Nico. He is slightly mentally handicapped, but I can talk to him well and exchange ideas about certain things. He also sends me regular text messages. For example, when he had received his corona vaccination. We were able to discuss whether or not to vaccinate against the virus in advance. With all the reporting about this, Nico had decided that it was better not to do it. I countered that he is at the heart of society and comes into contact with many people. So it was better to do it. For example, Nico is a groundskeeper at a football club and he sings in a choir. In the end he agreed with me.' Contact with healthcare providers Contact is less easy with his other clients, who have additional psychological problems. Hans sees it above all as his duty to be caring and to invest in good contact with the care providers. 'From my external position, I try to ensure that my client is given sufficient attention by his supervisors and that agreements are kept. I must say that the contact with the caregivers is very good. I am informed on time and if necessary, there is always room for consultation.' Enriching 'I enjoy the trust I get from my clients. I enjoy being part of a larger whole through them, from which I also learn from myself. For the time you invest as a mentor, you get a lot back in fun, contacts, and trust. You come into contact with a world that you would not otherwise come into contact with. And that is enriching.' Want to become a mentor too? Are you looking for volunteer work with content that you can organize flexibly? Sign up as a mentor now! For more information and to register, visit www.stichtingmentorschap.nl Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward

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