Who we are
an English-speaking community welcoming all nationalities
Our mission
Centrepoint is a volunteer-run, English-speaking community in the heart of Basel that welcomes all nationalities. We provide a space for members to enjoy a diverse range of activities together while building connection, support, and friendship.
Our vision
Centrepoint aspires to be a vibrant, growing community where people of all cultures feel at home, fostering a strong sense of belonging to both Centrepoint and the Basel region.
Our history
1999
Move and renaming
We moved to the historic Im Lohnhof — once a debtors’ prison — and adopted the shorter name “Centrepoint”. The distinctive arch at Im Lohnhof, where we are based, later inspired the colour of our branding. Membership quickly grew to several hundred households, with people connecting, exchanging knowledge, and supporting each other in integrating into Basel and Switzerland.
2017
Recognition
Our work helping newcomers, long-term residents, and locals connect was recognised by Canton Basel-Stadt when Centrepoint was awarded the Prix Schappo, given to organisations making an outstanding voluntary contribution to the Canton’s cultural and community life.
2020
Staying connected during challenging times
During the Covid pandemic, in-person meetings were restricted, but our volunteers kept the community connected online. Activities like language conversation groups, coffee mornings, and even a virtual apéro allowed members to stay engaged. Membership dipped but the community spirit remained strong.
Today
A thriving international community
Centrepoint is growing again and has around 400 member households representing many nationalities. While English remains our main language, many members speak other languages, reflecting Basel’s international character. Native-born Swiss also join to converse in English and support newcomers. Centrepoint continues to be a welcoming hub for those who want to speak English, make friends, and feel at home in Basel.
Our governing board
Our governing board is made up of dedicated volunteers who help guide Centrepoint’s activities and ensure the organisation runs smoothly.
President
Jan-Willem van Wijck
Originally from the Netherlands, Jan-Willem moved to Basel in 2008 with his family and has since made the region his home. After a long international career in supply chain and procurement, he now runs his own consultancy and enjoys engaging with the local community.
Contact: president@centrepoint.ch.
Role: The President leads Centrepoint’s Governing Board and represents the organisation publicly. Working with other Board members, this role helps guide Centrepoint’s strategy and oversee its operations.
Vice President and Communication & Marketing Coordinator
Heidrun Osterer
Based in Basel, Heidrun joined Centrepoint in 2015 after attending an English conversation group and soon became an active volunteer. A professional graphic designer, she brings expertise in visual communication and branding to Centrepoint’s marketing and outreach.
Role: Oversees communications and marketing strategy, leads the Communications and Public Relations teams, and ensures that Centrepoint’s message is clear, consistent, and engaging. The Vice President also supports the President and deputises when needed.
Contact: communications@centrepoint.ch
Treasurer
Marina Herrera de Neuburger
Born and raised in Panama, Marina moved to Basel with her family nearly two decades ago and first joined Centrepoint as a front desk volunteer in 2013. With a professional background in finance, she has long contributed her skills to the organisation in various Board roles.
Role: Oversees Centrepoint’s finances, prepares budgets, manages payments, and ensures transparent reporting. Works with the Board to maintain the organisation’s financial health and sustainability.
Contact: treasurer@centrepoint.ch
Board Secretary
Anna Li
Anna came from Canada in 2016 and moved to Basel in late 2024. She has always wanted to be more involved in the local community. Centrepoint is a perfect place to start getting to know Basel. Her professional background is in corporate finance, management and administration.
Role: Manages Board administration, organises Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting and ensures all policies and processes are kept up to date.
Contact: secretary@centrepoint.ch
Activities Coordinator
Giok Zaat
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Giok has lived in Basel for many years and brings extensive experience in organising events and working with people. Now retired, she enjoys contributing to Centrepoint’s active community life.
Role: Manages and supports the teams responsible for Language Conversation Groups, Activity Groups, Trips, Talks, Coffee Mornings & Apéros, the ArtWall and the Library Team, ensuring a wide range of engaging activities for members.
Contact: activities@centrepoint.ch
Members Coordinator
Maryann Barnacle
Maryann moved from England to Basel in 2011 and started fully participating in Centrepoint activities in 2018. Having served in several volunteer and Board roles, she is passionate about supporting both new and long-term members of the community.
Role: Oversees membership administration, ensuring new members feel welcome and existing members are well supported. Leads the teams responsible for Membership Administration, the Front Desk and the Coffee Morning Welcome Desk.
Contact: members@centrepoint.ch
Volunteers Coordinator
Maarten Koning
Maarten is from the Netherlands and has a background in legal publishing leading multiple projects across Europe. Since moving to Switzerland in 2019, he has become an active supporter of Centrepoint’s international and community spirit.
Role: Develops policies to recruit, support, and recognise volunteers, represents their interests on the Board, and coordinates volunteer appreciation events.
Contact: volunteers@centrepoint.ch
Centrepoint statutes
As a Swiss Verein (association), Centrepoint is required to be governed by statutes which describe how the organisation is run, the rights and responsibilities of members, and how decisions are made at annual general meetings.
The full text of the statutes is available to members only in the members’ area of this website (login required).
Policies and guidelines
Centrepoint maintains a set of policies and guidelines that guide our activities and support good governance. These cover areas such as finance, membership, and activities.
The full text of the policies is available to members only in the members’ area of this website (login required).