An exciting week lies ahead for Maastricht! From Thursday 25 September and for the next seven days, the city will host the Week of Connection.
More than 120 activities will take place across different times and locations, all with one shared goal: bringing people together -meeting new faces, enjoying inspiring activities, and discovering our city in fresh ways.
Serve the City Maastricht is proud to be part of this initiative, highlighting the importance of connection through two special contributions:
The Connected Path: Tools to Reconnect and Thrive
Did you know that 57% of Maastricht residents aged 18-65 report feelings of loneliness? Research also shows that severe loneliness leads to 30% higher mental healthcare costs, with overall healthcare costs up to 40-50% higher than for those who are not lonely. This impact is especially visible among young adults aged 19-40.
To help address this, Serve the City Maastricht, in collaboration with medical students, has developed a practical self-help workbook. This resource offers hands-on exercises and insights to support residents in strengthening wellbeing and building social ties.
Want to know more? Project Coordinators Ingeborg Dijkstra and Pascale Adekpui will share more about the e-book in a live interview on Thursday 25 September, 5:00-6:00 pm at Radio Bij de Liewe. Listen in here: facebook.com/bijdeLiewe
The workbook will be available free of charge from 25 September at various locations across Maastricht, and can also be downloaded in English or Dutch at: www.stcmaastricht.nl/workbook.
Taking the First Step – A Walk with Refugees
Another highlight during the Week of Connection is our well-loved walk, Taking the First Step.
Do you enjoy walking and sharing a good cup of coffee? Then this is for you! Join us for an inspiring walk with residents of the asylum seekers’ center. Together, we’ll discover hidden gems of Maastricht, share meaningful conversations, and end the journey in a cozy café for refreshments.
Taking that first step, whether to explore a new place or to connect with someone new, can feel daunting, but it often brings the most rewarding experiences.
Don’t miss this chance to make a difference, create lasting memories, and build bridges in our community.
👉 Voor meer informatie en om je aan te melden, klik hier.
