As an association, we are working in the rectory on a place where people can come together, share ideas and try out new things. This applies to both the building itself, which is being renovated, and the large rectory garden around it.
After the renovation, the building will consist of several large and small spaces, which we call the 'Living Rooms of Helchteren' .
The rectory will be a place where local initiatives are encouraged and supported. We want children, young people, families, the elderly and everyone in between to feel welcome.
Our goal is to create a warm, safe place where young and old can meet and work together.
We will organize activities ourselves,
but the spaces are also open to initiatives from people from Helchteren and the surrounding area.
We want to collaborate with
- individuals
- existing associations to strengthen association life
- groups that are temporary, e.g. a group of young people who want to organize something together, a group of neighbors, people who have the same interests and would like to set up something around this.
We want totry out new ways of uniting and respond to current social movements in which people commit themselves to projects for shorter and more flexible periods.
Citizen participation means that residents of a village actively participate and think about decisions that affect their neighborhood or community.
This can be done, for example, by giving their opinion on plans, participating in projects, or setting up initiatives themselves that improve the neighbourhood.
The aim is that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to improving the living environment and feels involved in what is happening.
Social connectedness Social connectedness means that people feel connected to each other and are part of a group , such as a family, circle of friends, neighborhood or community. It is about having good relationships, helping each other and feeling like you belong.
Social connectedness makes people feel less alone and provides support from others when needed.
This sense of connectedness is coming under pressure for more people.
We want to create a counter-movement within De Pastorie to strengthen the social fabric in the village.
Responsibility
As a group of Helchternaars we find it important to take responsibility for our living environment ourselves. We want to take the initiative to improve our village and not only by making our opinion heard, but also by rolling up our sleeves and actively taking steps to bring about change.
We also believe that when we support people to do or organize something for the community, this benefits their self-esteem and mental health.