Economist Jong-A-Pin researches the role and importance of village support workers

Richard Jong-A-Pin, Professor of Economics, is researching the role and importance of village support workers in Groningen’s villages. His research is commissioned by the Vereniging Groninger Dorpen (Association of Villages in Groningen). What have village support workers brought to the region so far?

‘The phenomenon of the village support worker has existed since 2014’, explains Jong-A-Pin in an interview with health magazine Zorgvisie. ‘It started with the “Wedde dat ’t lukt” [“I bet you this will work”] project, in the village of Wedde. Menzis helped to set up the project there for the first two years. But in the meantime, more villages in Groningen have gained an active village support worker. Now, a few years on, it is time to evaluate this. What have the village support workers provided? Have health costs decreased and has the wellbeing – and independence – of residents increased?’

The research will result in an evaluation that authorities and village residents can draw on.

More information

• Contact: Richard Jong-A-Pin
• Read the full article: Gronings ‘noaberschap’: dorpsondersteuner gaat arbeidsmarktprobleem te lijf [Groningen’s neighbourliness: village support workers tackle labour market problems]

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