No files, no systems, but people and stories. During a roundtable discussion by Stichting ONSbank, Bosveld engaged with young people who know from personal experience what it is like to have debts. An evening that shows that small moments can make the difference.
What happens when creditors and young people truly engage in conversation?
Sometimes change does not start with policy or systems, but simply with a conversation. In March, our Operations Director, Johan Kramp, joined a roundtable discussion by Stichting ONSbank on behalf of Bosveld. No files on the table, no figures or processes, but people. Young people who shared from personal experience what it is like to live with debt. And professionals who listened. It was precisely that simplicity that made the conversation so valuable.
“What struck me most was how valuable such a conversation actually is. Young people sharing what was going on in their lives. Us listening. And somewhere halfway through, you notice the conversation shift. It is no longer about rules or systems, but about people who are all doing their best within their own reality.”
Johan Kramp
The impact of a story
The story of Savannah, one of ONSbank’s experts by experience, made a deep impression. She shared how a period of wage garnishment felt for her: a lot of stress, little perspective, and little room to look ahead. Stories like these are confronting. And that is exactly why they are important to hear. They make visible what figures do not show.
Small moments, big difference
What this evening showed above all is how small the moments can be that make the difference:
- a letter that is written just slightly differently
- a telephone conversation that provides space
- a conversation in which someone feels seen
For us, perhaps small choices. For the other person, sometimes life-changing.
People-oriented work starts with understanding
As an organization, we work within frameworks, laws, regulations, and responsibilities. At the same time, we believe there is always room for humanity. People-oriented debt collection starts with understanding what is happening on the other side.
Not by speaking louder, but by listening better.
Taking steps forward together
As a sector, we still have steps to take. We realize that well. At the same time, these kinds of conversations show that change often starts with something small.
How we write a letter.
How we conduct a conversation.
How we approach someone.
We make choices in that every single day.
Read more about this initiative
Would you like to read more about this roundtable discussion and the insights shared there? Stichting ONSbank has published this article:
https://www.onsbank.nl/blog/tafelgesprek-next-level-brengt-jongeren-en-schuldeisers-samen