First Frisian Love and suffering streets in Vrijheidswijk

A first in Leeuwarden's Vrijheidswijk: on Wednesday afternoon 27 May, Friesland's first Love and Sorrow Streets officially started here. It was a special moment in MFC Het Mozaïek.

With Love and Sorrow Streets, residents in a street are given a small budget together to pay attention to each other. At happy moments, such as a birth or a wedding, but also when someone is ill, going through a difficult time or could use some extra support. These small gestures often make a big difference. They create more connection in the street and help combat loneliness.

The Freedom district first
That the kick-off is taking place precisely in the Vrijheidswijk is no coincidence. According to initiator Auck Busman of Amaryllis, the ambition extends beyond this neighbourhood. The budget is intended for all of Leeuwarden, but the fact that it can start here means a lot. It shows how much power, commitment and initiative there is in the neighbourhood.

Gangmakers
Tessa Mahmoud, co-initiator, also emphasised during the meeting that this approach fits well with the Vrijheidswijk. The first pacemakers were quickly found: familiar faces in the neighbourhood, people who have been working for others for years and can be even more visibly significant with this new role.

Working together
What makes this launch extra special is that this initiative is not only supported by residents, but also came about together with various partners. We are not waiting here, but taking action, in collaboration with pioneers and the organisations WoonFriesland, Elkien, Amaryllis, Leeuwarden Oost, the neighbourhood association and the neighbourhood panel.

It is precisely this combination of resident power and cooperation that means the first step has now been taken. And that step can grow into a movement that connects more and more streets in Leeuwarden.

Seven streets of start
Currently, seven streets are starting Lief en Leed. The ambition is to expand this to 10 streets. New pacemakers are therefore welcome. Residents who also want to do something for their street and neighbours can apply via MFC Het Mozaïek.

Festive and accessible kick-off
The afternoon in Het Mozaïek had an open and festive character. The meeting started with a recitation by a young person from the neighbourhood, who managed to hit the core of Love and Sorrow with a poem: looking out for each other, especially close to home.

Accompanied by Ruth Rottiné from Leeuwarden East, Tessa and Auck told how the Love and Love Method was brought to Leeuwarden and why the Freedom Quarter is such a fitting place to start.

Mayor
Afterwards, the pacesetters were introduced and Mayor Sybrand Buma handed them a bag with materials. This marked the official start: the first pacesetters can get to work.

The mayor expressed his appreciation for the initiative and for the residents and partners who together make this possible. He was also impressed by the way this concept is now taking shape in Leeuwarden.

Change starts small
The official act was followed by a short conversation with some pacesetters about their motivation and their initial ideas for the street. Afterwards, there was room to chat over coffee, tea and something sweet.

Above all, the kick-off showed that change often starts small. With attention. With a gesture. With people looking out for each other. The fact that the Vrijheidswijk was the first district in Friesland to lead the way in this respect says a lot about its strength.

Participate too?
There is still room in the Vrijheidswijk to expand to ten streets. Would you like to become a pacesetter in your street? Then get in touch via Tessa sociaalbeheervrijheidswijk@gmail.com and find out how you can get involved.