About us | Belongo

Why this matters

Behind these figures are people. They show why connection and wellbeing deserve attention. They do not measure the impact of Belongo.

46.2%

of adults in the Netherlands feel lonely.

Ages 18 and over · Health Monitor 2024

Eén tegen eenzaamheid · 2024

49%

of young adults rate their own mental health as moderate or poor.

Ages 16–25 · 2024 · 35% moderate, 14% (very) poor. Self-reported health, not a diagnosis.

RIVM · 2024

Research, definitions and further reading

Why people contribute

57% of volunteers mention doing something for others as a reason for starting, 37% meaningful use of time and 32% social contact. CBS 2022, volunteers aged 15 and over; multiple answers allowed. This does not show that everyone wants to volunteer more.

CBS · Vrijwilligerswerk 2022

In 2025, 78.8% of adult volunteers felt they contributed to society, compared with 61.7% of non-volunteers. This is an association, not proof that volunteering caused the difference.

CBS · Zingeving 2025

More room beyond the screen

In 2023, 14.3% of Dutch pupils aged 12–16 continued using social media despite problems it caused. 4.8% met the research criteria for problematic use. This is not a clinical addiction diagnosis.

Trimbos · Sociale media en welzijn

A randomised experiment in 2025 found improvements in attention, mental health and subjective wellbeing after two weeks without internet on smartphones. Calls, texts and internet on other devices remained available. This does not demonstrate permanent brain damage or loss of meaning from phones. Digital media can also provide support and connection.

PNAS Nexus · 2025

Community is changing

The WHO highlights the importance of social connection for health and wellbeing. The SCP finds that social cohesion and participation in the Netherlands remain relatively stable on average. Traditional ties are changing; community has not disappeared.

WHO · Social Connection 2025 SCP · 2026

Who volunteers?

CBS 2025: 47% of people aged 15 and over volunteered for an organisation or association at least once in the preceding twelve months; 29.4% in the preceding four weeks. The table shows twelve-month participation by age, not regular volunteering.

Who volunteers? · CBS 2025
Age	Share (2025)
15–24	46.9%
25–34	38.7%
35–44	52.5%
45–54	48.8%
55–64	45.3%
65–74	54.7%
75+	43.2%

CBS · Vrijwilligerswerk 2025

The need to belong remains.

For many people, churches, neighbourhoods and associations offered regular places to meet. For some, they still do. For others, that sense of connection is less automatic. Community is also taking new forms.

So much is already happening: walking groups, shared meals, repair cafés and volunteer initiatives. Their activities are shared through flyers, local websites and group chats. Belongo aims to bring these opportunities together so you can discover where you are welcome and what suits you.

As a volunteer, Maurice experienced how much a good start matters: unclear information about where to go and what to do can make it harder to feel involved. That is why we look beyond registration. We want to help initiatives welcome, guide and involve people.

What we stand for

Real attention for each other

Put your phone away for a while and be present. Walking, cooking, making something or having a conversation together: that is what we want to make room for. Use Belongo to find each other and make plans. Then start doing things together.

Feeling welcome

Finding a place is the beginning. Knowing what to expect, who to contact and how to join makes a difference. Trying something once is valuable too.

Making a difference

Welcoming someone, guiding a walk or lending a hand: contributing can start small. Choose what suits you. Simply taking part is valuable too; belonging does not require a regular role.

More room for the people behind each initiative.

Behind every community are people making things happen. Belongo helps initiatives become visible and supports activities, registrations, communication and volunteering. That leaves more attention for people. Growth also means sharing responsibilities, keeping personal contact and building continuity.

For initiatives