In March 2025, a special edition of Gers! magazine was released: Looking Out for One Another. This unique collaboration between Gers! and the network Samen voor Kwetsbare Ouderen 010 brings together care, wellbeing and government to tell the stories of Rotterdammers who are there for others. The special shows what becomes possible when people, organisations and networks truly connect.
Rotterdam Cares
At a time when the population is ageing and staff shortages in healthcare are increasingly felt, one question is more relevant than ever: how do we ensure that no one is left to stand alone? In the Rotterdam region, this is already happening every day. Informal caregivers, volunteers, professionals and residents are filling the gaps that formal care can no longer bridge on its own. Sometimes in small ways, sometimes in big ones — always valuable.
This Gers! special shines a light on exactly those people. The neighbour who brings an extra bag of groceries. The daughter who provides round-the-clock informal care. The physiotherapist who helps older people not only regain movement, but also rediscover confidence. Because caring for one another is more than medical support: it is about connection, attention and closeness. That is what it means to look out for one another.
A Collaboration That Connects
The special was created in collaboration with the Samen voor Kwetsbare Ouderen 010 network, which includes SRZ, ConForte, WIN010, Netwerk Mentaal Gezond, RPzorg, Rijnmond Apothekers, the Municipality of Rotterdam and Zilveren Kruis. Together, we wanted to show that care also lives in small gestures, in collaboration at neighbourhood level, and in people who take responsibility — simply because they believe it is the right thing to do.
As the initiator of Gers!, Dex helped shape the content and production of the special. We immersed ourselves in the city, spoke with engaged residents and partners, and brought together stories that show that care does not start with a hospital card, but with an open door.
Stories That Inspire
In the special, you can read the story of Arthur Hoeve, a physiotherapist in Hoogvliet, who helps older people become stronger both physically and mentally through Val Niet (Fall Prevention) training. And the story of Maria (76), who, thanks to the programme, dares to walk independently again after a fall — sharing her story with a smile and a message: “When one door closes, another window opens.”
We also speak with Ockje Tellegen, who, after a political career, now works through the Gezond naar Morgen network on a more fundamental view of care: fewer medical labels, more attention to what people truly need. And with Buddy from Spangen — veteran, role model and motivator of young people finding their way. His story shows that background never has to be a limitation.
A Launch at a Meaningful Location
The festive launch took place at Fröbel, a social lunchroom in Rotterdam where people with a distance to the labour market work with pride and dedication. A place where inclusion is tangible. During the launch, the first copy was presented to Alderman Ronald Buijt (Care, Older People and Youth Care), who emphasised the importance of realising that looking out for one another is not only a moral appeal, but also a practical necessity.
“By simply doing something for someone else, we can prevent many care needs,” he said.
No One Has to Do It Alone
This special is more than a magazine. It is an invitation. To Rotterdammers, to care organisations, to volunteers and informal caregivers — and to anyone who wants to contribute to a strong, caring region. With this edition, we show that no one has to do it alone. There is always someone looking out for you. And there is always something you yourself can do.
We are Dex. Creators of communication.
