The PROMISE-project

Prominent Reduction of loneliness among Older Migrants through Interventions and Social Engagement

In September 2024, the project Prominent Reduction of loneliness among Older Migrants through Interventions and Social Engagement (PROMISE) officially started. This project aims to gain deeper insight into the taboo surrounding loneliness and the various forms and causes of loneliness among older migrants from non-European countries. Together with older migrants and welfare professionals, we generate new knowledge, which is then translated into practical tools. In addition, we use this knowledge to adapt interventions and assess their effectiveness. These tools and interventions aim to help reach more lonely older migrants and address their loneliness more effectively.

The latest news

Article in Welzijn op Recept about the PROMISE Project
A recent article in Welzijn op Recept features Tineke Fokkema and Mirjam Kingma, who share insights from their research on the use of social networks in loneliness interventions for older migrants. They emphasise that it is not just the number of contacts that matters, but especially the quality of relationships and the expectations older people…
Pitch & Mix at the Ministry of Justice and Security
Last week, Mirjam Kingma, together with Basak Bilecen, Tineke Fokkema, and Bianca Suanet, took part in the Pitch & Mix event at the Ministry of Justice and Security. During her presentation, she shared her research on the use of social networks in loneliness interventions among older migrants. Mirjam emphasized the importance of the quality of…
Lectures and Workshop at the University of Luxembourg
At the end of October, Tineke Fokkema paid an inspiring visit to the University of Luxembourg. She gave a lecture on loneliness among older migrants and a presentation on the underreporting of loneliness within this group, sharing the key findings from her research. Afterwards, she led an interactive workshop on the use of photos in…
(Tackling) Loneliness Conference
Last summer, Tineke Fokkema, Bianca Suanet, and Mirjam Kingma participated in an international conference in Hannover on behalf of the PROMISE project. Researchers from different countries came together to discuss loneliness among vulnerable groups, including migrants. The symposium focused on practically addressing stigma and prejudice within these groups, for example by developing targeted interventions. Tineke…
IMISCOE- and Migration and Societal Change-conference
In June and July, Tineke Fokkema, Basak Bilecen, Nina Conkova, and Milynn Koene presented the project and the first insights at two major conferences for migration researchers: the annual IMISCOE conference in Paris and the Migration and Societal Change conference in Utrecht. Milynn Koene shared findings from her first manuscript on the underreporting of loneliness…