About the Foundation

Foundation Who Do You Miss? is committed to making grief and loss more visible and easier to discuss. Through various projects and initiatives, we clarify what loss means and what can be helpful, while encouraging conversation around the topic. Our aim is to enhance resilience and reduce loneliness.

Program

The foundation's program targets children, young people, and adults, addressing both the collective and the individual. Whenever possible, the target group is actively involved in the activities or plays a significant role in them. Since loss affects all areas of life (cognitive, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, worldview), various forms are used for different activities. These are designed to be accessible, inviting, and, where possible, tangible and broadly applicable. No distinction is made based on belief systems, religion, or background.

Planning 2024/2025

All Souls' Day in Vondelpark (November 2024)

Exhibition Who Do You Miss? (November 2024)

Filling the Gap (starting September 2024): students will develop concepts to facilitate easier contact among peers after a loss.

How to Be a Good Friend: young adults in their twenties who have experienced a loss will share short tips on what helped them and how others interacted with them after their loss. This will include an exhibition and a collection of all stories.

Background

Without being able to solve or advise on anything, situations of loss call for bystanders and witnesses. Social support alleviates general stress during the grieving period and reduces grief symptoms. The importance of an environment and societal attitude that does not shy away from experiences of loss, that can offer recognition, and is equipped to provide support is significant. This applies at both a personal and a more collective, societal level. Foundation Who Do You Miss? contributes through its activities and projects primarily to societal awareness, outreach, and support. This helps enhance mental health and fosters a positive and supportive community. At an individual level, the foundation aims for a preventive effect by providing space for loss more frequently and at earlier stages. In this way, we work towards a more grief-literate society.

For more information, download "Program & Background" here.

Board

The board of the foundation consists of Machteld van Barchjansen (chair), Marjan Kaddouri (board member), and Geert de Kousemaeker (treasurer and secretary).

Machteld van Barchjansen

Chair

Marjan Kaddouri

Board member

Geert de Kousemaeker

Secretary & Treasurer

Annual Report

The annual report and financial accountability will follow in 2025.

ANBI Status and Donations

Foundation Who Do You Miss? has an ANBI status (Public Benefit Organisation (PBO). With donations and grants, we finance the various projects of the foundation and can initiate new projects. Board members work on a voluntary basis. Donations are warmly welcomed. Please contact us via the foundation's email address or the contact page.