Volunteers at the Forms Desk Receive First Copy of the Updated Help Guide
On Tuesday afternoon, volunteers at the Forms Desk in the Burgum library received the first copy of the updated Help Guide. Councilor Doeke Fokkema presented the booklet. The Help Guide provides an overview of all municipal regulations and national benefits. It also contains information about assistance available in the municipality, such as the area team and KEaRN. The new Help Guide replaces the old “Money Guide.”
Doeke Fokkema spoke with the volunteers to get a sense of the questions and problems that residents bring to the Forms Desk. Monique Hoekstra, coordinator of the Forms Desk, explains, “We’re noticing that more and more people are struggling financially. That’s why it’s important for them to know what options are available to supplement their income.” Fokkema explains: “As a municipality, we say: ‘You’re not in this alone. There are people like these volunteers who can help you get started and know their way around all kinds of regulations, benefits, and other forms of assistance.”
Digital Government Information Center
The Forms Desk is part of the Digital Government Information Point (IDO).
Residents can visit the IDO with questions about government matters, such as applying for benefits and allowances, arranging healthcare, getting help with tax returns, or renewing a driver’s license. In 2025, 274 people visited the walk-in consultation hours. They rated the volunteers’ assistance a 9.7.
The IDO also offers a walk-in digital help desk for questions about computers, tablets, and other digital issues. Both sessions are held at dbieb Burgum (every Tuesday afternoon) and at dbieb Gytsjerk (Monday afternoons on even-numbered weeks). This assistance is free of charge. For more information, visit: www.dbieb.nlhelpt.
Free guide for everyone
The Help Guide is now available free of charge at the town hall reception desk, at the dbieb libraries in Burgum and Gytsjerk, or at Glinstrastate in Burgum. Residents receiving social assistance benefits will have the guide mailed to their homes. A digital version is available at www.t-diel.nl/helpgids.