supporting informed healthy life choices!

Bringing change together
in your life
You don't have to do it alone

Our Social Support Group

Choices Support Center (Choices) offers social support groups in three locations. In asylum seekers' centers (AZCs), at our office and at the Lutheran Church in Amsterdam. Each group has a different purpose.

The social support group at our office is available on Wednesdays, every two weeks for residents of AZCs in Amsterdam. Social support groups in the AZCs are available in AZC Heerhugowaard every two weeks on Mondays and every four weeks on Tuesdays in AZC Nijmegen. These groups are led by our Community Services Coordinator and a trained volunteer. Both have personal experience of living in the AZC and going through the asylum process.

Our social support groups consist of LGBTQI+ residents who share common issues, have similar experiences and can offer each other emotional support. In this group, people come together as members of a community. During each group meeting, we focus on community building and explore topics such as self-identity, empowerment, preparation for IND interviews and support needed during the transition to a new country. We help each other become stronger and more motivated to make the changes we want for ourselves.

The Choices support group provides a confidential, safe space to get to know yourself and make friends. Participating in a group can reduce loneliness, normalize life events, promote change, teach coping skills and learn new relationship skills. Groups help us learn how to get in touch with our own feelings in front of others.

Join a support group from Choices and...

  • Feel less lonely, isolated or judged
  • Find a safe place to be yourself
  • Reduce sadness, depression, anxiety or fatigue
  • Talk openly and honestly about your feelings and sexual adventures
  • Improve skills to deal with challenges in the AZC and the new Dutch culture
  • Gain empowerment to promote a healthy lifestyle
  • Preparing for IND conversation

If you live in Amsterdam AZCs, Heerhugowaard or Nijmegen, please contact us to join our group.

Would you also like a social support group in your AZC?
Then click here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GYYHY8X for our survey on needs around setting up a group and send us an email. We can then start the process by arranging a visit with COA staff to meet you and the other LGBTQI+ residents so we can plan the group together.

If you would like to take advantage of our free counseling, please sign up using the form below

Coming OUT with Choices

Coming OUTwith Choices - on Friday nights
16:00 to 20:00 - Last Friday of each month.

On the last Friday of each month, Choices invites LGBTQI+ residents of Amsterdam AZCs - A&O, G-Hotel, Galaxy and Willinklaan to dine with us and engage in a group discussion focused on community building and transitioning from the AZC to the Dutch queer community.

This monthly Friday night group is specifically for residents who:

  • Have started working
  • Being looking for work
  • Preparing to move to their new apartment in Amsterdam.

Every month we cook together and discuss the challenges of finding work, working and integrating into Dutch society and the queer community. Guest speakers from organizations in the Amsterdam Newcomers Network come to give information and answer questions. Topics include:

  • Adapting to culture and work environment
  • Differences in work cultures and conflict resolution, issues that can affect workplace success
  • Being emotionally ready for work and career development support
  • Self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Time management and procrastination
  • Functioning in a stressful environment
  • Work-life balance and burnout prevention

We also offer practical support, in the following:

  • Calling various government agencies
  • Obtaining a BSN number,
  • Conversation skills,
  • Writing a resume and cover letter,
  • Finding clothes for job interviews and
  • Support in traveling to a job interview.

If you live in one of the aforementioned Amsterdam asylum seekers' centers, are working, looking for work, and preparing to move out of the asylum seekers' center, please contact Selin, who organizes the group. WhatsApp: 0681424168 or email: selin@choicescenter.nl

Registration form

Sign up for our meetings here

Register here for our groups at our office or online. Registration is optional and FREE.

    Select language

    Select a meeting

    Select a location

    After registering to participate in our groups, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have registered to attend the online groups you will receive a zoom meeting link in your confirmation email.

    However, we make every effort to accommodate everyone. For questions please feel free to call or email us.

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    Volunteer

    As a community centre, we value the suggestions and information provided by members of our community. This allows us to continue to develop and improve our services. Would you like to become a volunteer or member of our community advisory committee? If so, please contact us.

    Become a volunteer