Brussels is a city of over 1.2 million people, and according to the Brussels-Capital Region's 2021 statistics, more than 190,000 residents are aged 65 or older. Of these, an estimated 30% live alone, many experiencing social isolation. Volunteer buddy programs bridge this gap by pairing a volunteer with an elderly person for regular visits, phone calls, or shared activities. This article details how you can become a buddy in Brussels, the organisations that run these programs, what is expected of volunteers, and the real difference you can make.
Why Volunteer as a Buddy for the Elderly in Brussels?
Social isolation among seniors is a growing concern in urban settings. A 2019 study by the King Baudouin Foundation found that 1 in 5 elderly people in Brussels feel lonely at least once a week. Loneliness is linked to higher risks of depression, cognitive decline, and even mortality. Buddy programs offer a simple yet powerful antidote: regular, meaningful human contact.
Volunteering as a buddy also benefits the volunteer. It provides a sense of purpose, intergenerational learning, and a deeper connection to the local community. Many volunteers report that the relationship becomes a genuine friendship. Additionally, some programs offer small reimbursements for travel or activities, making it accessible to everyone.
Key Organisations Running Buddy Programs in Brussels
Several non-profits and community groups in Brussels coordinate volunteer-elderly matching. Below are the most prominent ones, each with a distinct approach.
Brusseleir Babbelt (Brussels Talks)
Brusseleir Babbelt is a Dutch-language initiative run by the VGC (Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie) that pairs volunteers with elderly people for weekly conversations. The program covers all 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region. Volunteers commit to one hour per week, either in person or by phone. Training is provided, and volunteers must be 18 or older. No specific language level is required, but basic Dutch is needed. The program currently has over 300 active pairs (as of 2023). To apply, visit their website at www.vgc.be/brusseleir-babbelt.
Le Pain Levain (The Sourdough Bread)
Based in the Marolles district, Le Pain Levain focuses on intergenerational baking workshops. Volunteers and seniors meet once a month to bake bread together in a communal kitchen. The goal is to share skills and stories while producing fresh bread. The organisation also arranges home visits for seniors who cannot travel. Founded in 2012, it works with about 50 volunteers and 80 seniors annually. There is no cost to participate, and ingredients are provided. For more information, see our article on volunteering at soup kitchens, as similar community food initiatives often overlap.
Les Petits Riens (The Little Nothings)
Well-known for its second-hand shops, Les Petits Riens also runs a "Buddies" program for elderly people living in poverty. Volunteers visit seniors in their homes, help with small tasks like reading mail or accompanying them to appointments, and provide companionship. The program is active in several Brussels communes, including Saint-Gilles, Molenbeek, and Schaerbeek. Volunteers must attend a one-day training and commit to at least six months. The organisation covers transport costs (up to €12 per month). In 2022, they matched 120 volunteer-senior pairs.
Solidair Brussels – Buddy Project
Solidair Brussels itself runs a buddy project focused on elderly migrants and refugees who often face multiple barriers to social inclusion. Volunteers are matched based on shared language (French, Dutch, English, Arabic, or Turkish) and interests. The program includes a monthly group activity (e.g., a walk in the park or a museum visit) as well as individual visits. Volunteers receive a welcome pack and ongoing support from a coordinator. To learn about similar community-building efforts, read our guide on community volunteering and solidarity in Brussels.
How to Become a Volunteer Buddy: Step by Step
The process is straightforward but requires commitment. Here is a typical pathway:
- Choose an organisation that matches your language skills, availability, and preferred activities. Review their requirements: some ask for a minimum commitment of six months, others for one hour per week.
- Submit an application via their website or by phone. You will usually need to provide basic personal information, your motivation, and any relevant experience.
- Attend an information session or training. Most programs require a short training (2-4 hours) covering active listening, boundaries, and safety. For example, Brusseleir Babbelt holds monthly info sessions at the VGC offices in the centre of Brussels.
- Get matched after a meeting with the coordinator. You will be paired with an elderly person based on location, language, and shared interests. The coordinator will introduce you both.
- Start visiting. The first few meetings are often supervised or accompanied by a staff member. After that, you arrange visits directly with your buddy.
- Check in regularly with the coordinator. Many organisations ask for monthly feedback via a short online form or phone call.
Practical Considerations: Time, Costs, and Skills
Most buddy programs require a commitment of one to two hours per week. Some, like Le Pain Levain, are monthly. The time is flexible and can be scheduled around your work or studies. Costs are minimal: travel within Brussels is usually covered by a STIB/MIVB annual pass (€499 for adults, but reduced rates for low-income residents), or you can use a bike (Villo! membership is €35/year). Some organisations reimburse bus tickets or offer a small monthly allowance (e.g., Les Petits Riens gives €12/month for transport).
No special skills are required beyond empathy, patience, and good listening. A basic knowledge of French or Dutch is helpful, but some programs accept English speakers for seniors who speak English. Training is provided, so you will learn communication techniques and how to handle difficult situations (e.g., memory loss or grief). If you are interested in other forms of local engagement, check out our article on starting a neighbourhood watch, which also builds community bonds.
The Impact: What You Can Expect
Volunteers consistently report that the experience is rewarding. A 2022 survey by Brusseleir Babbelt found that 92% of volunteers felt their buddy's well-being improved, and 85% said they themselves felt less lonely. For seniors, the benefits are tangible: regular visits reduce hospital readmissions, improve mood, and provide a link to the outside world.
One volunteer, Marie (35), shared: "I was matched with Madame Dupont, an 82-year-old widow in Ixelles. We meet every Tuesday for a walk in the Bois de la Cambre. She tells me stories about Brussels in the 1950s. It's become the highlight of my week." Stories like Marie's are common. The relationships often last for years, and some evolve into genuine friendships that continue even after the formal program ends.
For those concerned about safety, organisations conduct background checks and provide guidelines. Volunteers are never asked to provide personal care (bathing, medication) or handle money. The role is purely social.
Other Ways to Get Involved with Seniors in Brussels
If one-on-one buddying isn't for you, there are complementary ways to support elderly people:
- Visit a residential care home (maison de repos) as a group volunteer. Many homes in Brussels, such as Home Gabrielle in Etterbeek, welcome volunteers to lead activities like music, games, or reading. Contact the home directly or via the platform Vrijwilligerswerk Brussel.
- Volunteer at a day centre for seniors, like the Service Social de Saint-Gilles which runs a lunch club three times a week. Volunteers help serve meals and chat with attendees.
- Participate in intergenerational projects such as those run by Les Petits Riens or Le Pain Levain that involve cooking or gardening. For example, the Molenbeek community garden has a plot dedicated to seniors; see our article on the Molenbeek community garden.
- Offer technical help through local repair cafes, where volunteers fix household items for seniors who cannot afford repairs.
Getting Started Today
Becoming a buddy for an elderly person in Brussels is a straightforward process. Start by visiting the websites of the organisations listed above. Most have online application forms. If you prefer to speak to someone, call the VGC's volunteer line at 02 563 05 00 (Monday to Friday, 9-12) for Brusseleir Babbelt, or visit Les Petits Riens at Rue Américaine 101 in Ixelles.
Remember that you do not need to be an expert. The most important thing is your time and your willingness to listen. In a city that can sometimes feel anonymous, your regular visit can be a lifeline for an isolated senior. As one coordinator put it: "You are not just a volunteer. You are a friend."
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Community Volunteering and Solidarity in Brussels
- Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen in Brussels
- Molenbeek Community Garden: Growing Together
- Local Repair Cafes: Fixing and Connecting
- Start a Neighborhood Watch in Your Area