Volunteer support and recognition initiatives in Ridderkerk and Gouda

In Ridderkerk, the municipality and Facet Vrijwilligerssteunpunt are accepting nominations for annual volunteer awards. The honors include the Jaap van der Graafprijs for individuals and a Group Prize for volunteer organizations. Nominations must be submitted by October 7, after which a jury will select three candidates for each category. Winners will be announced during the municipality's New Year's reception and will receive a memento and a check.

In Gouda, the VrijwilligersInformatiePunt (VIP) has introduced an independent confidential counselor service to support local volunteers. Carin van der Hor will serve in this role for smaller volunteer organizations that lack their own internal support systems. The service aims to address social safety concerns, including issues such as bullying, discrimination, intimidation, aggression, or sexual harassment, providing a low-threshold way for volunteers to seek advice or report integrity violations.