Hostess/host Sunday afternoon

We want to offer a place to catch your breath in the centre of Wageningen. A place where you can meet other people. A place where people listen and where attention, respect and hospitality are central. If this appeals to you and you want to contribute to this, we are looking for you!

What are you going to do?

Your duties include receiving visitors, making contact with them. Having a chat and/or offering a listening ear. Offering coffee or tea.

Maintaining a good atmosphere in which every visitor feels at ease and safe. Keeping the visitor area tidy and doing all the practical work necessary for this.

Who are we looking for?

In principle, you always work with 2 volunteers. You work according to the vision of Markt 17: an open and helpful attitude towards others. No condemnation of the visitor's being different. Everyone is allowed to be who they are. We work from the so-called 'Presence approach'.

We ask our volunteers to respect people. Not reject people. To be able to cooperate based on the vision of Markt 17. To have your heart in the right place and to be able to take a punch. To have space for (the story of) the other. Not to want to 'take over' their story and thereby focus attention on themselves. Not necessarily to be focused on solving problems. We are not a care or healthcare institution. Paying attention and being interested in people, that's what it's all about.

Offering solidarity to the visitor, no matter how different/strange it may seem. Confidentiality: the story of the visitors remains within the 4 walls of Markt 17. Unless otherwise agreed with them personally. A good command of the Dutch language is very important for this function. Knowledge of English or other languages is also welcome because of any non-Dutch speaking visitors.

What do we have to offer you?

The coordinator is the point of contact for questions, and offers coaching / guidance. Both in the corridors and by appointment. The coordinator also points out various relevant courses and trainings that are organized locally.

Occasionally, volunteer meetings are organized. Here, one meets fellow volunteers and discusses the work together. A collective accident and damage insurance has been arranged for volunteers by the municipality of Wageningen.

What makes the work worthwhile?

Our volunteers work in a pleasant and relaxed environment. On Sundays, musical visitors make music. Volunteers meet people they would not normally encounter. Offering hospitality and a listening ear is not a one-way street: Attention and interest are often returned by visitors.

Working time

2:45 PM - 6:15 PM