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BUDDY ME: BREAKING ISOLATION TOGETHER
Mainline is starting a buddy project in 2025: Buddy me. In this project, we initially target men who have been active in the chemsex scene, but who took a break or wish to quit the scene. Buddy me came about based on a need consistently expressed by the men we speak to. Social support can help to regain new, positive life energy and to enjoy small, daily activities again. This can greatly support men during their recovery.
Reasoning
For men who want to (temporarily) quit the chemsex scene, Mainline organises weekly support groups. We also offer individual support to men. During those occasions we meet men who want to quit chemsex, often after a period of intensive drug use. What is striking is that many of these men subsequently end up feeling socially isolated and lonely. They struggle to make new social contacts outside the chemsex scene, even though they have a great need for connection, distraction, acceptance and positive activities.
Experience helps
In this project, we involve people with lived experience: men who have been away from the scene for some time, but who have a good understanding of the lifestyle. And who do not judge. To see whether the project complements other support and care, we will regularly monitor and evaluate whether the buddy contact meets expectations and what impact it has on the lives of those involved.
Starting soon…
Soon, we will start the recruitment and training of volunteers and then the recruitment of interested participants. More news will follow soon!
Financial support
Contact
