Welcome to Centrepoint
a volunteer-run English-speaking community in the heart of Basel where people connect, join activities, and make friends
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News & articles
Volunteer of the month
Deyanira Ortiz Rusterholtz, May 2026
Deyanira Ortiz Rusterholtz is a Venezuelan-Swiss citizen and has been living in Basel since 2000.
Swiss news
Open Wine Cellar Days / Offene Weinkeller / Caves Ouvertes
Recently,Centrepoint members were offered complimentary passes to the Basler Wymärt thanks to the generosity of Centrepoint member Bras Barão, who presented a wonderful array of organic wines from Portugal at the Markthalle.
Talks & workshops
Willam Tell and All That
How did a poor, mountainous backwater turn into such a formidably successful and innovative nation state?
Event report
Bee Wise
Responses to the talk Bee Wise – Life Lessons from Inside a Beehive on 9th April 2026.
Trips & tours
Jakob’s City Tour: ‘Women, Walls & Towers’ with the Spalentor
Asked to include facts and stories about famous and interesting women in Basel, Jakob developed a second tour running along the West Plateau and centred around Basel’s biggest and most prestigious remaining city gate, the Spalentor.
Event report
Talk about the Landschaftspark Wiese
Silvan Aemisegger, Project Manager at the Department of Public Works and Transport in Basel-Stadt, came to Centrepoint on 25th March to give a talk on the Landschaftspark Wiese, an area of natural beauty straddling the Swiss-German border that many of us know and love.
What our members say
“Finding Centrepoint was a turning point for me after leaving Ukraine. The supportive community here has helped me feel connected and at home in Switzerland.”
Viktoriya from Ukraine
"I enjoy teaching beginners’ bridge at Centrepoint because it blends problem-solving, fast feedback, and intuitive pattern-spotting into a game played with people, not just against them. Watching newcomers discover the pleasure of playing bridge — and even give me new insights — is genuinely rewarding."
Sev from Russia
“I really enjoy volunteering on the Front Desk, as the variety of tasks makes every shift engaging and helps me feel connected to the Centrepoint community. Volunteering with the Italian Conversation Group is also rewarding as it gives me pleasure to share my language and help others develop their skills."
Francesca from Italy
"Volunteering at Centrepoint gives me the chance to organise fun events like minigolf, summer meet-ups, and visits to interesting places. I also enjoy being part of the Photography Club, where we share our passion, meet new people, and work together to make the group a success."
Marcel from Switzerland
“I have found a truly welcoming, international community at Centrepoint. Participating in its diverse activities has strengthened my spoken English and given me a supportive space where I feel I belong.”
Sissi from Switzerland
“I’ve discovered Basel in new ways and learned about many different subjects through Centrepoint’s talks and trips. It’s also been rewarding to contribute by hosting a French discussion group.”
Jean-Christian from Canada
“I enjoy volunteering at the Welcome Desk during weekly Coffee Mornings, where I can greet members and offer new members and visitors a friendly introduction. It’s rewarding to help people settle into the Centrepoint community.”
Steffen from the Netherlands