For Els and Hans it's all about one thing: being there for someone else. For years they have been volunteering and helping people who need a helping hand. In their buddy work, where you volunteer to support one person with attention, practical help or a listening ear, they make a big difference. “It doesn't feel like work,” they say. “You do it out of love.”

From colleague to volunteer
Els worked at Surplus for 27 years. After her retirement, she wanted to continue to mean something. She became a buddy and since then has been supporting people who need a little extra help. “When the neighbor calls, I go and see what is needed. Sometimes something small is very big for someone else.”

Hans worked for years at the bank, then at Surplus in refugee reception, at the ROC (now Curio) and as a letter carrier. He always volunteered. “You get so much in return,” he says. Together with Els, he forms a strong duo. Among other things, they assist people dealing with illness or a difficult stage of life. “You really get to bond with someone,” they say. “That makes it valuable.”

Attention makes a difference
Buddy work can also be emotional at times. Hans recalls one woman who chose not to receive any more treatment. “That comes in. But when you can make someone's final phase calmer, it feels special.”
Els tells how she took someone to The Living Room in Etten-Leur during corona. “She thought it was nothing for her, but she completely blossomed. Sometimes someone just needs a little push.”

Boundaries, respect and balance
According to Els and Hans, good volunteering is about respect, patience and clarity. “No pity,” says Hans. “You have to respect people.” Els adds: “You can't help everyone, but you can refer someone or make the right connections. It's about letting people know they're not alone.”

Tips for new volunteers
Hans has clear advice for those considering volunteering: “Start small. See how it feels, how it works and whether it suits you. You really need to be there for someone, with attention and patience.”

Also mean something?
With the Year of the Volunteer approaching, Surplus emphasizes how valuable volunteers like Els and Hans are. Their buddy work shows how much difference personal attention can make. Find out if buddy help at Surplus is something for you? Feel free to contact us via buddyhulp.etten-leur@surplus.nl. For more volunteer work opportunities within Surplus, visit werkenbijsurplus.nl/vrijwilligers.