haarlemsdagbladApr 1, 2026, 12:00

Students experience what it’s like to have a malfunctioning brain: ‘You really feel your brain isn't working anymore’

Eighth-grade students at the Cruquiusschool in Haarlem used virtual reality goggles to experience the daily challenges of living with dementia. The initiative by Zorgbalans aims to help children better understand and empathize with the condition, particularly those who have relatives affected by it.

Technology Health Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Major maintenance: Haarlem Waarderbrug closed for six months

The Waarderbrug in Haarlem will undergo six months of major maintenance and upgrades for remote operation starting next Monday. During this closure, traffic and cyclists will be diverted, while a special ferry will be available to assist pedestrians.

Cold weather claims 140 lives in Haarlem annually, where the risk is highest

Cold weather causes approximately 140 deaths annually in Haarlem, contributing to over 10,000 cold-related fatalities across the Netherlands each year. Research by the RIVM highlights that vulnerable elderly populations in specific neighborhoods face significantly higher mortality risks due to factors like energy poverty.

Concerns over ending emergency care in Hoofddorp? Information evening draws few visitors

The Spaarne Gasthuis hospital plans to centralize 24-hour emergency care in Haarlem-Zuid by 2033, effectively closing the emergency department in Hoofddorp. Despite significant public and political backlash regarding travel times, a recent information evening in Hoofddorp drew very few attendees.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Museum of the Mind in Haarlem raises 11,500 euros for mental health

The Museum van de Geest in Haarlem raised 11,500 euros during its Walk & Talk charity event to support youth mental health awareness. The proceeds will fund educational projects aimed at helping young people address issues such as stress, depression, and burnout.