Join Us Netherlands: Combating Loneliness Among Young People
In the Netherlands, like in many other countries, youth loneliness has become an increasingly visible issue. Many young people struggle to build social connections, especially in a world that often values online interaction over real-life relationships. To tackle this growing challenge, Join Us was founded in 2016. Since then, it has provided thousands of young people aged 12 to 30 with the support they need to develop friendships and feel less alone.
Join Us’s main goal is simple but important: to help young people expand their social lives and become more confident in social situations. They do this by creating regular group activities where young people can meet in a relaxed and friendly environment. Unlike therapy or counseling, Join Us focuses on peer interaction, fun activities, and social learning, making the process feel natural and accessible for anyone who feels isolated.
One of the key features of Join Us is its structure. Local groups meet every two weeks across the Netherlands, in places like community centers, youth centers, or cultural spaces. These meetings are guided by professional youth workers and volunteers who have been trained to create a warm, supportive atmosphere. The facilitators help guide activities and discussions but let the young people take the lead whenever possible. This approach empowers participants to take small steps out of their comfort zones at their own pace.
Activities at Join Us meetings vary widely depending on the group’s interests. Some evenings might be dedicated to board games, cooking together, or organizing sports activities. Other times, participants work on group projects or go on outings like movie nights or museum visits. The goal is not just to pass the time, but to encourage participants to interact, communicate, and develop friendships naturally.
An important part of the Join Us method is the focus on personal growth. The program isn’t only about meeting people; it’s also about learning essential social skills. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own behavior, try new ways of interacting, and gradually overcome the fears and barriers that loneliness often creates. Facilitators help by offering subtle coaching and positive reinforcement. Over time, participants often report feeling more confident, more social, and better equipped to maintain friendships outside of the group.
Join Us also puts a strong emphasis on accessibility. Their programs are free for participants, and they work with municipalities and local governments to fund and organize the groups. This means that no matter a young person’s background or financial situation, they have a place where they can belong. The organization also makes an effort to be inclusive of young people with different experiences, including those with social anxiety, autism, or other challenges that can make socializing difficult.
In addition to the local groups, Join Us runs national campaigns to raise awareness about youth loneliness. They provide online resources, organize public events, and work with schools to help break the stigma around feeling lonely. Their message is clear: loneliness is not something to be ashamed of, and there are practical ways to overcome it.
Join Us has grown rapidly in the Netherlands and is now recognized as one of the leading initiatives against youth loneliness in the country. Research has shown that participants often feel less isolated after joining, with many gaining not just friends but also renewed confidence in their social abilities. The long-term goal of Join Us is not only to help individuals but also to create a society where young people feel connected, supported, and valued.
In conclusion, Join Us Netherlands plays a vital role in addressing loneliness among youth. Through local groups, personal development, and national outreach, they offer young people a practical, hopeful way forward. In a time when loneliness can feel overwhelming, Join Us shows that connection, growth, and friendship are within reach for everyone.