IGNYTE Magazine Issue 06 | Page 70

“I was a director in digital technology, then I was hit by a car and woke up in intensive care with a brain injury. My wife became a carer overnight. After three years she collapsed. I thought, ‘what do I need to do to change the situation I am in now?’ The doctor told me that taking hikes would be good for my brain injury. I thought, ‘if I’m going to be outside, I could walk someone’s dog who has a broken hip, but how do I find them?’ I dreamed up an app where I could offer and receive help. Our social capital is hidden, because people, especially young people, don’t see themselves as traditional volunteers, but they are open to doing something, in a new way. We have to make social capital visible. Everyone has value and can contribute to society, we all need help someday, either for ourselves or for someone else. That’s when WeHelpen was born. I hope that this movement (I see WeHelpen as a movement) leads to social consciousness that helping each other becomes a natural thing to do.

Currently, people don’t want to share their vulnerability, it’s harder to say you need something, it’s easier to say ‘I can share something’, it makes you more in control. You are more equal to others if you can say ‘I have something to offer.’ If you don’t it’s hard to have confidence. Sharing is about self-confidence. We want to empower everyone, young and old to think about what they can share, what they can give back to society.”