Meet Ment Gillissen - independent chairman of the LBS association
19 January 2023Welcome ment! It's great that you recently started as independent chairman of the LBS association. Tell us something about your background?
I have now been retired for about seven years. Originally I was trained as a social worker. After four years of working in welfare work for the elderly, journalism came into the picture. For example, I have been active as (chief) editor at trade journals in care and welfare and as chief editor of the member magazine AANEEN of the ABVAKABO-FNV trade union.
After that, I made a switch to management positions within ABVAKABO FNV. I then held a number of management positions at the Rheumatism Patients Association and at PGOsupport, a support organization for about 200 patient organizations.
The counter is now at 72 years, I am a father of three children and the first grandchild is on the way.
Ment Gillissen
In addition, I have started playing drums since my retirement, I now play in a band (Retyred), cycle a lot and as a volunteer I am now an independent member of a central client council of a group of Haarlem residential care facilities and independent chairman of a participation platform for patients suffering from the long-term consequences of q fever or covid infections.
Why does this position within EENnacoma appeal to you?
First of all, a long-term disorder of consciousness is a major and emotional condition. For the person affected, for the loved ones and also for the caregivers who guide and care for people with the disorder. If I could do something of importance for one of the people involved, my involvement would not have been in vain. That's the core of my motivation.
Furthermore, the position of independent chairman of the target group association LSB appeals to me because the chairmanship suits me. In fact, it makes me happy. And this is because I like to help shape cooperation projects of organizations for the benefit of people with disorders. For me, the patient is central to this and I will repeatedly ask the question: all those memorandums, all those policy intentions, but what do the patient, loved ones or caregiver get out of them?
I realize very well that the question is easily asked and the practice is unruly and complicated. But if we maintain that focus together and help each other achieve the intended goals, with respect for everyone's role, we will get there.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I am very much looking forward to getting to know the world within and around EENnacoma better and to make full use of the opportunities that the association, which must be small and practical, offers!