Francis Heitkötter is the new volunteer coordinator for the city of Bocholt

The city of Bocholt has a new volunteer coordinator: Francis Heitkötter is taking on the role at the volunteer agency on Langenbergstraße. The volunteer agency advises citizens who would like to volunteer and arranges suitable volunteering opportunities.

The volunteer placement team at the volunteer agency is familiar with the diverse range of clubs and organisations in Bocholt and supports interested parties in their search for a suitable volunteer position. At the same time, it is the point of contact for clubs and organisations in which volunteers are active. The aim is to further promote and strengthen the already high level of voluntary work in the city.

"I am looking forward to getting to know the many clubs, organisations and committed Bocholters and working together to further strengthen volunteering in our city", says 31-year-old Francis Heitkötter.

The volunteer agency is part of the city's senior citizens, care, pensions and volunteering department and is also the office of the Engagierte Stadt network. The focus here is on networking and cooperation between associations, initiatives and institutions. The aim is to initiate joint projects and further develop programmes for volunteers by sharing experiences.

"I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Francis Heitkötter, a committed and highly qualified volunteer coordinator for the city of Bocholt", says Christian Tewiele, Head of the Senior Citizens, Care, Pensions and Volunteering division. "At the same time, I would like to emphasise the great commitment of the volunteer team at the volunteer agency, which has been making an important contribution to social cohesion in Bocholt for years with a great deal of dedication and passion", says Tewiele.

Several programmes are already planned for the coming year: For example, there will once again be the Volunteer Academy with free educational programmes for volunteers. In addition, the second association fair is planned for September in the Bocholt arcades.

Francis Heitkötter has extensive professional experience in the social sector. She previously worked for around two years as a coordinator in the municipal integration management of the city of Bocholt, also in the social affairs department. She studied German as a foreign and second language as well as International Migration and Intercultural Relations. She also worked as a teacher of German as a second language in adult education.