Building a resilient Zwolle together
In broad terms, Zwolle has developed steadily over recent years. In 2024, residents rated their city an average of 7.8. At the same time, measurements since 2018 show that the positive trend before then has flattened out and, on some points, is moving slightly downward.
This development is not abrupt, but gradual. That is precisely why it calls for attention: not because things are going badly for Zwolle, but because signs of pressure, tension and inequality are becoming ever more apparent.
Source: Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Survey Zwolle 2024 (Gemeente Zwolle)
What recent years show
- - The share of residents who sometimes feel unsafe rose from 19% in 2018 to 27% in 2024.
- - In neighborhoods such as Dieze-West and Holtenbroek, a decline in social cohesion is visible between 2022 and 2024.
- - Since 2018, residents have more often experienced decay, particularly litter and waste on the street.
- - According to residents, feelings of insecurity are often linked to social nuisance caused by groups of young people.
"Since 2018, the livability and safety indices have shown a slight but structural decline."
— Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Survey 2024
Why we are active right here
Stichting ZERO is active in Zwolle because these developments reveal where targeted effort is needed. We do not work on the basis of averages, but in districts and neighborhoods where resilience is under pressure.
Where figures point to declining cohesion or growing feelings of insecurity, we step into the breach and invest in the next generation.
Turning the trend around
Sport – and freerunning in particular – gives young people structure, a goal and responsibility. Energy that sometimes leads to nuisance is channeled differently and provides direction and meaning.
In neighborhoods where connectedness is declining, we deliberately invest in relationships. Young people learn to take responsibility for one another and for their social environment.
Although 83% of residents rate their own health as good, around a quarter of Zwolle's residents deal with long-term illness or disability. Mental and physical resilience is therefore essential.
Source: Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Survey Zwolle 2024
Help build the future of Zwolle
Zwolle is growing, but the real growth happens from within. Stichting ZERO works in the neighborhoods to offer a new generation perspective in the form of sport, community spirit and personal development.