Queer Parkstad, COC Limburg and @ease together in premises Oranje Nassaustraat 23A

Oranje Nassaustraat 23A will be the new home of Queer Parkstad, COC Limburg and @ease. After a joint search led by the municipality of Heerlen and support from Stichting Streetwise, this building meets the wishes of all parties. The building will be festively opened June 27 by Alderman Arlette Vrusch (Welfare, Youth, Inclusion). With this new interpretation, the building will get a new name that will be unveiled during the opening. 

Win-win-win for all parties

Councilwoman Arlette Vrusch: "It's a win-win-win for all parties. I am happy that a building has been found that perfectly fits the various wishes and needs. A base for Queer Parkstad and COC Limburg in our city is therefore an important milestone. It is a building where everyone is welcome and may feel heard and seen."

"At @ease, young people can go in an approachable way to talk about their problems. In this new place, central in the city, @ease becomes more accessible. At the same time, we want to be an inclusive municipality where everyone feels at home. I am very happy that these 3 parties have joined forces. By working together and pooling grant funds, it is possible to move into this beautiful building."

LHBTQI+

A location of its own was a clear goal for Queer Parkstad from its inception. COC Limburg had also been looking for an address in Heerlen for years. The municipality therefore brought both parties to the table. Queer Parkstad and COC Limburg operate in line with each other for the LGBTQI+ community. Both parties need space to organize meetings, as well as small-scale events and a queer café. 

Youth

The @ease Foundation is there for young people aged 12-25 with a variety of problems or issues, such as problems at school, loneliness, feelings of depression or divorcing parents. At @ease, they can tell their stories anonymously and free of charge to trained peers. Where needed, health and welfare professionals are readily available to think with them. Young people can walk in without an appointment, also as a bridging for a waiting list in the mental health system. In Heerlen, @ease is open on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Based in Heerlen from 2020, the organization is now moving to a more central location in the city center.