The customer
KLIK is an initiative of the non-profit organisation, Noblito vzw. Together we developed a new model to bring local residents aged 50 and over closer together. Not a classic association, but a flexible platform that stimulates self-organisation and makes connectedness visible again in the street.
In this project, we worked with Noblito to shape the concept during a strategic process. We then tested the concept in practice via a pilot project in cooperation with the municipality of Kontich. Knight Moves brought the methodology, structure and guidance to make KLIK tangible.
The challenge
Many municipalities are looking for ways to get over-50s more involved in their neighbourhoods. Traditional associations always reach the same people, while younger seniors often drop out: ‘too old, too fixed, not enough on my beat’. At the same time, we see how retirement or other life changes shrink social networks, with isolation as a risk.
Local governments also want to address this, but often come up against two challenges:
- Limited leverage - there is not always capacity to set up neighbourhood networks and provide ongoing support.
- Limited reach - the known channels usually attract the same group, while the silent middle group often stays out of sight.
So how can you as a municipality build a network that works sustainably, without putting all the weight on the administration?
"KLIK makes me feel that I am not alone after all."
Our approach
1. From needs to network: co-creation with the target group
During a design sprint, we got to work on Noblito's mission. We started with listening. Through interviews, workshops and experiments, we investigated the barriers people experience to meeting others. Why is it that associations and local authorities have difficulty reaching some people? How does loneliness arise? How can we address this preventively?
These insights formed the basis for a light and accessible model: residents can propose an activity (such as a walk, coffee or museum visit) via KLIK, others can connect via a simple platform. We provide support, communication and connection - but the real engine is ambassadors who activate their own network as much as possible.
2. An experiment in Kontich
An experiment is the best way to explore in an approachable way whether your concept is catching on, but also to answer important questions by doing.
As an experiment, we wanted to investigate three questions:
- Are people effectively willing to organise something themselves or participate with strangers?
- How can we activate ambassadors as much as possible?
- What role should an organisation like KLIK take on to keep the network alive?
- How can this be translated into a sustainable business model?
"Without KLIK, I would probably never have done this. It felt good that I could call someone and have a platform to fall back on."
The result
In less than six months, a lively network was created with some 20 ambassadors organising activities, attracting more than 200 people. These were mainly people who did not know each other before. And above all: they do it their way, without pressure or obligations.
KLIK:
- Reaches people who fall outside the traditional offer
- Strengthens the social fabric in neighbourhoods
- Lets municipalities work preventively on welfare, without bearing the full burden
"KLIK moved a lot here in a few months. KLIK was able to do what we ourselves lacked the time and focus to do."
What did we learn from this?
- A network only works if someone is in charge: residents take the initiative, but need proximity, follow-up and a point of contact.
- The platform is supportive, not decisive: technology makes it easy to organise and register, but the real driving force is human contact and guidance.
- We can reach new target groups: people in their fifties and sixties who do not feel at home with traditional associations can connect via KLIK.
And now what?
KLIK continues to grow! We continue to build on our proven basic approach. From now on, other municipalities can also step in. This is how we build sustainable, neighbourhood-based networks step by step - without it always having to come from above.
"KLIK is not a temporary project, but a methodology that takes root in neighbourhoods and grows organically from there. With Noblito KLIK, we are helping cities and municipalities to organise this network in their neighbourhoods."
