As spring breathes new life into Amsterdam with tulips blooming across parks and windowsills, it also brings a moment of well-deserved recognition for a very special group in our society: caregivers. On April 3th, around 30 caregivers gathered at Ru Paré for a unique event designed just for them.
The “Flowers Lovers” workshop was part of a broader initiative by Mantelzorg & Dementie, dedicated to supporting those who care for loved ones living with dementia. Known in Dutch as mantelzorgers, these informal caregivers are the backbone of daily care for thousands across the Netherlands. According to recent data, nearly 1 in 3 adults in the Netherlands provide informal care, and of those, a significant number support people living with dementia, a group that is growing each year.
While caregiving is often an act of love, it is also a task that can be emotionally and physically demanding. The “Flowers Lovers” workshop offered a refreshing pause, a time to relax, connect, and receive the same care they so often give to others.
The afternoon included fun and restorative activities: games, a shared lunch, a makeup session by the talented Berta Ordekian, and even chair massages provided by two generous physical therapists. But the heart of the event was the hands-on flower arrangement workshop voluntarily led by Alina Bielun, artist and project coordinator from Road of Hope’s project Together, alongside volunteer Ann.
In a lighted room filled with laughter and the scent of fresh blooms, Alina guided participants through the art of bouquet-making. Demonstrating the elegant spiral technique, she encouraged the caregivers to craft their own floral arrangements, not just for their loved ones, but also for themselves.
“I’m not gonna give this bouquet to my husband — I’m gonna give it to myself,” one participant declared with a smile, her full arms of beautiful flowers. It was a moment that captured the spirit of the day: a celebration of self-worth, beauty, and care.
More than just a workshop, the event was a platform to foster community. Participants got to meet key neighborhood figures and exchange support resources available to them. It was a chance to feel seen and valued, something all caregivers deserve.
As Amsterdam blossoms into a new season, let us not forget those who quietly support others through their own seasons of hardship. With a bouquet in hand and renewed energy in their hearts, the caregivers who attended “Flowers Lovers” left reminded that their own joy matters too.