About Us
Creating opportunities together for an inclusive and fair Leiden
A citizen-led initiative that grew into a strong social support network
Stichting Leids Steunloket Migranten (LSM) began as a local citizen-led initiative founded by committed residents and volunteers. Through this strong community involvement, we have grown into a broad, multilingual and multicultural social service and support organisation serving Leiden and the surrounding area.
We provide accessible support to people who need help with social, legal, financial, administrative or practical matters. Our doors are open to all residents, with or without a migration background. Everyone is welcomed with respect, regardless of origin, skin colour, beliefs, religion, age, gender or social position.
Our support is accessible, personal and, wherever possible, free of charge. Thanks to our multilingual volunteers and our understanding of different cultural backgrounds, we help reduce language barriers, make complex information understandable and support residents in finding their way within Dutch society.
For all residents, with additional attention where it is most needed
LSM is committed to supporting everyone who needs temporary or long-term assistance. At the same time, we pay particular attention to people who face greater difficulty accessing existing services because of language barriers, limited knowledge of public institutions, poverty, debt, discrimination, social exclusion or other circumstances.
This includes newcomers, families, young people, older residents, regular migrants who live in the Netherlands with a partner or family member, and other residents who need support in participating fully in society.
This additional attention does not mean that we exclude anyone else. On the contrary, our projects and activities show that we are working to strengthen the social foundation of the whole city. We bring people from different backgrounds together and encourage dialogue, mutual understanding and active participation in society.
What we do
We support residents with matters including:
- social and community support;
- legal and administrative questions;
- letters, forms and communication with public authorities and organisations;
- questions relating to residence rights and migration;
- translation and cultural mediation;
- education, tutoring and support with civic integration;
- debt, financial hardship and energy poverty;
- reports of racism and discrimination;
- labour participation, practical learning and guidance towards employment;
- social connection, empowerment and democratic participation.
We work as preventively as possible. By identifying problems at an early stage, removing language barriers and guiding residents to the right organisation in good time, we aim to prevent situations from becoming unnecessarily complicated or escalating further.
Our projects and activities
Our social mission is carried out through a range of projects, working groups and activities, including:
• the Multilingual Walk-in Advice Service;
• the Education Bridge;
• Kids Oase;
• the Multilingual Energy Helpdesk;
• the Debt and Emergency Support Reporting Point;
• the Racism and Discrimination Reporting Point;
• empowerment activities through the World Kitchen;
• projects promoting local democracy and participation;
• Social Catering and the Kans Kok learning and employment project.
Through these initiatives, we combine practical support with education, social connection, participation, talent development and guidance towards employment. In this way, we do not only help people solve an immediate problem; we also support them in becoming more independent, developing their talents and participating actively in society.
A bridge between residents and organisations
Rules, forms and procedures can be difficult to understand. This is especially true for people who do not yet fully speak Dutch or who do not know which organisation is responsible for a particular question.
LSM therefore acts as a bridge between residents, social organisations, educational institutions, employers and public authorities. We listen carefully to each request for help, make information understandable, guide residents towards appropriate support and bring signals from the community to the attention of relevant organisations.
Our strength lies in combining professional knowledge, lived experience, multilingual communication, cultural sensitivity and a strong network of volunteers and partner organisations.
What we stand for
The following themes are central to our daily support work and community activities:
• combating poverty and energy poverty;
• a fair and socially responsible energy transition;
• equal treatment and equal opportunities;
• access to education, personal development and employment;
• social connection and community participation;
• democracy, peace and mutual respect;
• support with migration and integration matters;
• preventing and addressing racism, discrimination and social exclusion.
We take an independent, respectful and person-centred approach. We do not judge people by their background; instead, we look at their situation, their abilities and the support they need.
Our core mission
Our core mission is to empower people, so that they do not only receive help, but can also move forward independently, participate, contribute and grow.
We believe in a Leiden where everyone matters, everyone can be heard and everyone has a fair opportunity to take part. Together with residents, volunteers and community partners, we are building an accessible, connected and just society.
LSM – multilingual, multicultural and socially committed.
For all residents of Leiden and the surrounding area.
Creating opportunities together.
Do you want to join as a volentier bij one of our activities? Have a look at our vacancies and see how you can help us!