When was the last time you felt completely at ease? Are you struggling with something and want to vent in a safe way?
Volunteering is @ease
Maybe it’s worth giving @ease a try! A quick intro about me and why I’m encouraging you to talk to us: I’m Nathalie (21), originally from Germany. I’m in my third year of studying psychology in Maastricht. I joined the @ease team last year, but it already feels like I’ve been part of the @ease family much longer. In my first two years at uni, I worked for the UM
Why should you come and talk to us?
We get that opening up to strangers can feel scary or awkward at first – but we’ll do our best to make you feel safe. It’s totally normal to worry about exams, feel lost at times, be angry about things in your past or feel nervous or anxious. Talking about it can bring relief – and sometimes even make a big difference. If you’d like to hear a professional’s view, we always have someone on site (or online) we can check in with, or who can talk to you directly. When you visit us or chat with us, you stay anonymous. No need to wait for an appointment. And it’s free.
About my experiences at @ease
From the very start, I felt welcome and appreciated the professional setting. @ease is built on volunteers who are well trained to truly listen to what young people are going through. And @ease always makes sure volunteers feel supported and comfortable. For me, having a positive work environment really matters. Every shift on location is also a chance to connect with other volunteers and professionals, to share experiences, learn more about our own feelings, and just have a cup of tea together. I think it’s pretty special that here in the Netherlands we’ve created a place where people can come and talk about their struggles without saying who they are, without waiting for an appointment, and without worrying about money.
#Welovetolisten
We’re here to listen, no matter what’s going on. We always try to hear your story with an open mind and without judgment. When you visit us, you’ll talk privately with two trained volunteers who will listen and think along with you. We also offer online support through our chat, every Monday to Thursday from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. And if that’s easier, you can also call us.
Your story is safe
You’re free to talk about whatever you want, and just as free to keep things to yourself. Most of our volunteers are around your age, since many of us are students. It can be really helpful to talk to someone who’s in the same stage of life. And of course, you’re always welcome to come back. You can even make an appointment if you’d like to talk to the same volunteers again – especially if you felt they helped in a way that worked for you. If you don’t feel like telling your story all over again, that can really help. But of course, you can also ask to speak with someone else next time, it’s totally up to you.
What I especially want to tell you:
You are valuable! You are important! Your problems deserve to be heard! You don’t have to do this alone!