Table 1 Organization of addiction and palliative care and the Salvation Army (the Netherlands)

Addiction care

The majority of regular substance use treatment centers provides the entire range of addiction treatment, from prevention to maintenance treatment, from outpatient (80%) to clinical admissions. On average, each institution employs around 1000 people and treats around 9000 patients per year. Some of these institutions are integrated into mental health care. Most institutions (n = 12) are united in a network with two research institutes, a network of client representation boards, and the sector organization of mental health (The Dutch Addiction Association). Treatment methods include motivational interviewing techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, community reinforcement approach, Minnesota Model, medication, and e-health. Care focuses on psychosocial, physical and medical level. Co-morbid disorders are treated as much as possible at the same time. For specialist care, other than addiction, patients are referred.

Palliative care

One of the main PC principles in the Netherlands is that nearly all professional HCPs must be able to give basic PC. It is part of regular, generalist care. In complex situations, due to the amount, variety and interaction of problems and/or due to lack of knowledge and experience, a broad expert network of professionals is available. Often they work together in Palliative Care Consultation Teams (PCC teams). These teams mostly don’t take over care, but stay in an advisory role towards the principle care providers. In case expert palliative care is needed constantly, PC units in hospitals, hospices and nearly-at-home-houses are available. Terminal inpatient care is also possible there. Next to experienced and expert HCP, well-trained volunteers are invaluable in many care settings. They support patients and their informal caregivers to give room to relieve in the last phase of life.

Salvation Army

More than hundred years ago, the Salvation Army started her activities in the Netherlands. Nowadays, this organization offers social care, elderly- and healthcare, mental healthcare, child welfare, addiction care, prevention, social reintegration and rehabilitation work. Also, Salvation Army aims to be actively present on a local level, e.g. by offering neighborhood activities or church services. In 2017, 108.275 people got in touch with Salvation Army’s activities. The same year, almost two million nights in shelters or other accommodations were arranged, of which 80% was covered by homeless people. Over six million meals were served within community centers and shelters or via ‘soup busses’ for homeless people and temporary accommodation for refugees. 13.000 volunteers and around 6500 employees work for the Salvation Army. Inspired by the spirit of God, they aim to be of service. In their vision, every human matters and deserves to be there.

Volunteers

Volunteers are active in both palliative and addiction care and in the Salvation Army. In 2017, most were aged between 35 and 45 and, on average, volunteered 4,5 h a week. The same year, almost half of the Dutch population volunteered once a year.