HARTstikke Gezond: working together for a healthier neighbourhood
Project
HARTstikke Gezond is a programme where residents of Amsterdam can go to accessible locations for a free health check and lifestyle talk. On these days we measure blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI. We also talk about lifestyle, physical activity, nutrition, wellbeing and mental health.
The health weeks take place three times a year in Amsterdam South East, East and New West. Besides the check points, there is more and more space for health fairs. At these fairs, local initiatives, welfare organisations and healthcare professionals are present to help residents straight away.
Why are we doing this?
In city districts with large health differences, we want to help residents take action for their health earlier. By offering measurements and talks close to home, we lower the threshold to care and welfare. HARTstikke Gezond gives residents options to take action and makes the link between measuring, understanding and doing.
Community centre De Meevaart in Amsterdam East
Aims
- Increase awareness about heart health and lifestyle
- Provide fast and warm referral to local initiatives and support
- Build structural cooperation between healthcare, welfare and education in the neighbourhood
- Develop fixed referral routes in the city districts, based on the GOO pilot in New West
Results so far
The first editions in 2025 attracted hundreds of residents. Interest was high, and cooperation between healthcare and welfare at neighbourhood level proved very valuable. In December 2025 we will expand the programme with a health fair, where health, meeting others and enjoyment come together.
Societal impact
The project helps to achieve a lasting improvement in health and care in Amsterdam South East, Amsterdam New West and Amsterdam East. It connects with existing networks such as the Social Medical Networks and the Lifestyle Network in South East, which focuses on Positive Health. By putting more effort into prevention, the pressure on healthcare will decrease.
Who is involved?
The project is a collaboration between:
- AUAS: degree programmes in Biomedical Technology, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Interprofessional Allied Health Care (IPZ), Nutrition and Dietetics, Applied Psychology, and educational modules such as minors and internships
- Neighbourhood Campuses East, South East, New West and GOO New West
- Dutch Heart Foundation (Hartstichting) for the Heart Check Points and training
- Local partners such as LOA Foundation, Fit in Oost, Team Sportservice, 55+ in de Plus, and many neighbourhood initiatives
During the health weeks, students, professionals and volunteers work together. Students carry out the measurements, guide lifestyle talks and learn how to communicate in an accessible way with residents from diverse backgrounds.
Project team
- Bart Baselmans – project leader
- Wiek Dirks – coordination HARTstikke Gezond
- Melanie Verhoef – Neighbourhood Campus East
- Rosalie Neuvel – Neighbourhood Campus South East
- Barbara Bijlstra – Neighbourhood Campus New West
- Sandra Mul – GO Osdorp
- Josje Schoufour – GO Osdorp
- Yvonne Booij – Nutrition and Dietetics & Healthy Lifestyle and Living Environment minor
- Nicky Nibbeling – Applied Psychology
- Serena van der Kaaij – Nursing
- Kristel Lankhorst – Physiotherapy
External partners
- Sandra Bon (Dutch Heart Foundation)
- Annette Hoogerbrugge & Berthe Bestebreurtje (LOA Foundation)
- Marleen van den Heuvel (Fit in Oost)
- Mirjam Barth (Team Sportservice Amsterdam)
- Annelies Krikke (55+ in de Plus)
Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality
This project is part of the Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality.
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