From October, De Kompenie will officially launch in Kampenhout. The center aims to be a warm and accessible place where residents can come for information sessions, workshops, support, or simply a chat over coffee. The name 'De Kompenie' originates from the Kampenhout dialect and signifies meeting, companionship, and togetherness, according to community center leader Veerle Gabriëls, who explained the name choice to Oscar Dekeyser, former chairman of the Kampenhout senior council SenioKa.
The program at De Kompenie includes a series of recurring activities: 'Koffie met kennis' (Coffee with Knowledge) every Monday, 'Klub K' monthly on Saturdays with information sessions or workshops, and 'Samen aan tafel' (Together at the Table) bi-monthly on Tuesdays for shared meals and conversation. Additionally, the 'Buurtrestaurant Pure Goesting' (Neighborhood Restaurant Pure Desire) operates weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
For specific care needs, such as mobility assistance for less mobile individuals, caregiver support, meal delivery services, or home care, residents can visit the information and care desk daily. This desk is located at the municipal reception in the Godshuis in Kampenhout-Centrum.
As part of the Warmste Week (Warmest Week) initiative, De Kompenie calls on residents to collectively create 100 extra warm encounters. Center leader Veerle Gabriëls emphasizes that small gestures, like having coffee with a neighbor or running errands for someone in need, can make a big difference.
To make this initiative visible, De Kompenie will place 100 small houses in the Glazen zaal (Glass Hall) of the Godshuis. For each warm encounter, a light will be lit, positioning De Kompenie as Kampenhout's warmest spot.
