ROTTERDAM, 20 August 2024 – Beep for Help has launched its first Rotterdam branch, offering non-medical assistance to help older residents maintain their independence while alleviating pressure on caregivers.
Beep for Help opens its first branch in Rotterdam
Beep for Help has opened its new Rotterdam branch at Hoogstraat 16, marking the first time its no-wait assistance service is available to the city's residents. The service connects users with helpers via phone or app for a range of tasks, aiming to promote independence among older and vulnerable people while easing the burden on informal caregivers. Additionally, the branch will serve as a community meeting place for its target audience.
Following a successful launch in Amsterdam, Beep for Help is expanding its service to Rotterdam, its second location in the Netherlands. “Rotterdam is a large city with many older residents and significant challenges in the field of care,” said Eugène Meinders, Chief Operating Officer of Beep for Help. “Statistics from CBS (Statistics Netherlands) show that one in eight Dutch citizens over the age of 20 provides long-term informal care, with 19 per cent finding it too burdensome. By occasionally or frequently taking over tasks like housekeeping, minor repairs, or hospital visits, we hope to relieve this burden. Furthermore, we see that this low-threshold form of assistance enables vulnerable groups to gain more control over their own lives. Our goal is to serve the entire Rotterdam region in the near future.”
A focus on community and safety
Beyond providing a service, the Rotterdam location has a social mission. Meinders explained: “At our branch in Amsterdam, we found that residents are eager to connect with us and each other. We aim to continue and improve this concept in Rotterdam. Beep for Help seeks to be part of the community, acting as an accessible point of contact for help requests in the area. We bring together local residents and our target audience in what we call our 'living room,' where they can meet over a cup of coffee or tea. We also collaborate with local helpers who want to contribute to their community and make a personal difference, for a fair reward. We hope this will contribute to the sense of personal safety and community spirit that is so important to our organisation and service. I am proud that we can open this in Rotterdam's vibrant centre.”
Ambitions for growth
This expansion is a step towards Beep for Help's goal to address societal challenges brought on by an ageing population. Meinders added, “With our first branch showing significant growth, it is time to serve more people in need. Over the past months, we have worked hard to set up our processes for a nationwide rollout. The opening of the Rotterdam branch not only marks the first visible proof of this ambition but also provides an opportunity to optimise our processes where necessary. This will allow us to serve more groups while maintaining our friendly and personal character.”
About Beep for Help
Beep for Help connects those in need of assistance with helpers through its app and phone line, offering efficient and reliable support to ease the burden on older people and informal caregivers. The organisation, affiliated with AMVN, is committed to tackling social issues, including the challenges of an ageing population and the growing strain on caregivers. For more information, visit the website: Beep for Help.
Directions to the new branch
The new Beep for Help branch is located at Hoogstraat 16, in the heart of Rotterdam. The area is well-served by public transport, with nearby tram and metro stations providing easy access. Hoogstraat is known for its mix of shops, cafés, and local amenities, making it a convenient and vibrant area for the new branch.
